The UK Catalysis Hub -'Core'

Cardiff University and Selden Research have a patented novel catalytic method of making long lived reactive oxygen species effective for pathogen kill and surface disinfection. https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/12/c4/b7/8f1ef5827dc436/GB2572364A.pdf The method involves passing a solution containing dilute hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) through a catalyst (a copper salt on alumina matrix) using a spray bottle with the catalyst in the nozzle. We have tested this with a range of microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans yeast and have achieved >5 log10 reduction in minutes. To date we have not examined virucidal activity but given the effect of our method on other microorganisms we anticipate it will be effective against enveloped viruses. Our work until now focussed on developing the method for use in the food preparation and agricultural industries and the key point is that no toxic residues remain on the surfaces that are treated, while also offering exceptional kill efficacy. The research programme will initially test the virucidal activity of our existing formulation on viruses including coronavirus standard test strain as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID- 19). We will then aim to modify and simplify the formulation to determine if we can replace hydrogen peroxide by air whilst maintaining the virucidal activity. We will also develop the use of aerosols so that the new method can be used to treat large spaces which could be applied in the disinfection of PPE for reuse or the environmentally non-toxic disinfection of transportation such as the internal spaces of ambulances, buses, trains and planes.