Nippon Paint launches anti-human-coronavirus coating

SHAH ALAM (Sept 11): Nippon Paint Malaysia today unveiled an anti-viral and anti-bacterial coating which has been proven by lab test to be 99% effective against the human coronavirus (strain 229E).

The Nippon Paint VirusGuard which was first launched in 2015 is now coming with an added feature to fight human coronavirus (strain 229E).

The paint was tested earlier in 2020 by Analytical Lab Group against the Human Coronavirus, ATCC VR-740, strain 229E. The test results have shown a 99.9% reduction in viral titer upon contact of the virus on the paint film.

The Silver Ion Technology utilised by the paint has been proven to effectively kill viruses related to respiratory diseases. The technology is also able to inhibit the growth of viruses and bacteria such as hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), influenza A (H1N1), Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and the human coronavirus (strain 229E).

While the 229E strain is different from the coronavirus that is causing the Covid-19 pandemic, it was the first coronavirus strain identified in the family of viruses. The 229E strain would cause respiratory tract infections and common cold symptoms.

The Silver lon Technology could prevent virus and bacteria spread through three approaches, namely deactivation of the function of viruses and bacteria, reducing their ability to multiply and reproduce, as well as inhibiting their growth that ultimately kills both bacteria and viruses.

The environmentally-friendly coating comes in thousands of colour choices and is suitable for any indoor spaces, especially commercial buildings such as hospitals, hotels and offices.

According to Nippon Paint Malaysia group managing director Yaw Seng Heng, using the proper technique to apply the coating, the anti-viral and anti-bacteria effect would last as long as the coating lasts.

“Counts of viruses and bacteria have been reduced from 500,000 to around 1,000 after a six-hour lab test, which translates to a reduction rate of over 99%,” he explained during a panel discussion following the official launch ceremony today.

Also present at the launch was Nippon Paint Malaysia assistant general manager of marketing Datin Wong Meng Lee and Universiti Malaya’s Department of Medical Microbiology (Faculty of Medicine) virologist and associate professor Dr Chang Li-Yen.

“The 229E strain is the surrogate for the coronavirus that causes Covid-19. If the Silver lon Technology is working with 229E strain, it is also likely to work similarly on Covid-19 as well,” Chang said.

“Reduced virus count means less chance for someone to be infected. Even when the vaccine for Covid-19 is developed, it is unlikely to give a 100% efficacy [to cure the disease], hence it is important to prevent the spread,” she added.

Wong pointed out that the walls and ceilings make up the largest surfaces of a space, and viruses can survive on walls.

“We usually do not have the time clean our walls frequently, as there are already so many places to clean. Hence, it is very useful to have a coating that curbs viruses and bacteria,” she said.

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