Scientists have developed a new method that physically destroys viruses on contact without using any chemicals, according to research published in Advanced Science in February 2026.
The innovative approach uses a specially designed plastic film embedded with nanostructures that tear apart viral membranes when they come into contact with the surface. Researchers compared the effect to spike strips used by law enforcement to disable vehicles, but applied at a microscopic scale to stop infectious threats.
In laboratory tests, the nanospiked surface inactivated 94% of human parainfluenza virus type 3 within just one hour. The virus loses its ability to infect as its outer shell is ruptured by the mechanical pressure from the tiny spikes.
The film is made from flexible acrylic and can be manufactured using existing production systems. Its low cost, adaptability, and suitability for large-scale manufacturing make it practical for widespread employ on frequently touched surfaces.
Potential applications include smartphone screens, hospital equipment, public transportation, and other high-contact areas where passive protection has traditionally been insufficient. By providing active, continuous defense, the technology aims to reduce viral transmission in everyday environments.
Because the method relies solely on physical disruption and involves no chemical agents, it avoids generating toxic waste, environmental harm, or contributing to antimicrobial resistance—common drawbacks of conventional disinfection techniques.
Researchers emphasized that the breakthrough represents a shift toward proactive infection control, where surfaces don’t just resist contamination but actively neutralize threats upon contact.
