A team of researchers at University of Queensland (UQ), Australia has developed a long lasting surface spray that has the potential to kill viruses such as COVID-19 and potentially deadly bacteria.

The spray contains a protein that allows it to stick to surfaces and remain effective for 24 hours and is being assessed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for commercial cleaning use.

A team led by Dr Heather Shewan from UQ’s School of Chemical Engineering set out to create a spray for use on various surfaces to kill COVID-19 and bacteria such as E. coli and staphylococcus aureus.

“We used hydrolysed gelatine which essentially helps create a thin film that allows the spray to stick on surfaces and can stay there for at least a day and potentially longer. This durability means it is effective over a longer period than a standard cleaner and has the potential to be used in high-use areas such as in public transport, kitchens, hotels, retail outlets, hospitals and public areas", Dr Heather said.

The research has been undertaken in partnership with Australian cleaning product manufacturer OzKleen, with the protein supplied by Beaudesert company GELITA Australia.

OzKleen CEO Mark Quinn said the spray would be manufactured and produced in Queensland and potentially exported across the world.

“This is a very exciting initiative and the results show this product can be used in public places across the globe and will help to make the world a safer place,” Quinn said.

Queensland Innovation Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the research was made possible through an Advance Queensland Industry Fellowship grant of $90,000.