New 'bug-proof' plastic discovered to permanently sanitize surfaces, including phones

A revolutionary new plastic material that can break down viruses on contact has been discovered by scientists, offering a potential game-changer for the fight against germs.

Acrilic material inspired by insect wings defeats viruses naturally

Researchers at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia have created a nanotextured acrylic plastic that mimics the surface of insect wings, which are known to have natural antibacterial properties.

When exposed to the flu virus, the new material destroyed 94% of the microorganisms within just one hour, rendering them unable to infect.

While initially designed for use in clinical settings like hospitals, researchers are hailing the development as a breakthrough that could also keep smartphones and other frequently-touched devices perpetually sanitized.

Unlike other virus-killing materials that can be toxic or degrade over time, the acrylic plastic is safe, durable and relatively inexpensive to produce – making it an attractive solution for a wide range of applications.