Hong Kong’s University of Science and Technology have recently developed air purification system that claims to remove up to 99.99 per cent of airborne bacteria and viruses.

Different from other filters, which only trap bacteria, the technology not only kills but also prevents growth of microorganisms, according to the research team.

Professor Yeung King-lun, leader of the research team and associate dean of research and graduate studies at the university’s engineering school said, “Our technology doesn’t kill bacteria only, but also pathogens and mould.They are killed when they contact the filter, which could also reduce formation of biofilms.”

The Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease found the system eliminated 98.8 per cent of the Middle East respiratory syndrome virus, and more than 99 per cent of H1N1 and H3N2 influenza, and Enterovirus 71– a cause of hand, foot and mouth disease.

The development of the system has received both public and private backing, with the Innovation and Technology Commission providing HK$2 million in funding.

The university said a collaboration would be launched with Kowloon Hospital to test whether the biocide could improve the cleanliness of medical ward curtains, which have been known to harbour various germs, and keep them in use longer.