Development of anti-viral air filters to protect passengers on trains.

Studies have shown that people who travel or work on public transport are significantly more likely to get ill. Air filtering systems on public transport such as trains are designed to recycle up to 80 % of the air through the cabin. However, unlike aircraft the air passes through standard air filters rather than HEPA filters and these cannot stop viruses. This means that even if passengers are socially distanced in a train carriage they still have a significant chance of being exposed to SARS-CoV-2 as it is circulated through the carriage by the air conditioning. In collaboration with NitroPep Ltd we have developed a novel method of making antimicrobial air filters. The technology can be applied to the filters post manufacture and allows the existing filters to be used in trains without any further modifications. We have already carried out field trials of the technology on the rail network examining the ability of the filters to prevent the spread of bacterial and fungal pathogens and saw greater than 99% efficacy. We now need to test our technology to ensure it is effective against SARS-CoV-2 and obtain updated regulatory approval before this can be rolled out to the market.