Curran Biotech Nanocoating: Preventing COVID-19 Indoor Transmission

Nanocoating Technology for Enhanced Air Filtration

Curran Biotech has developed a novel nanocoating with the potential to significantly enhance indoor air filtration and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

How the Capture Coating Works

The company’s Capture Coating technology functions as an addition to existing HVAC systems. It’s applied by bonding to filter fibers, thereby increasing their hydrophobic properties.

This process effectively prevents virus-laden droplets from penetrating the filter material, offering improved protection compared to standard filters which only partially block viral transmission.

Scientific Explanation

According to Shay Curran, founder of Curran Biotech and a physics professor at the University of Houston, the coating “is designed to mitigate and significantly decrease viral transmission of COVID-19 through specified air filtration media by forming a breathable, flexible, non-leaching, water-repellent barrier against aqueous respiratory droplets that act as virion carriers that can potentially be recirculated through conventional air-filters.”

Despite its complex molecular structure, the Capture Coating is remarkably simple to apply – it can be sprayed directly onto an HVAC system’s filter.

Advantages Over Current Methods

This new coating targets droplets, representing an advancement over current filtration techniques that primarily focus on dry molecules.

Traditional methods can still allow for viral droplet transmission, and improvements to these systems often come at the cost of energy efficiency.

Addressing Energy Efficiency Concerns

“Recycling the same air within a building carries the risk of cross-contamination,” explains Curran. “While introducing outside air can dilute the air, it also leads to significant energy loss and doesn’t fully eliminate the problem of removing the virus from areas where people gather.”

Cost-Effective Solution

Improving indoor air ventilation is crucial for mitigating COVID-19 spread in schools, businesses, and public spaces. However, upgrading HVAC systems to meet CDC recommendations can be expensive.

Curran Biotech’s Capture Coating offers a more affordable solution, requiring only a simple spray application instead of a complete system overhaul.

“For just a few dollars when used with a standard MERV8 filter, substantial indoor protection can be achieved, effectively halting the virus’s spread throughout a building,” Curran states.

Long-Term Benefits Beyond COVID-19

The nanocoating’s benefits extend beyond the current pandemic due to its inherent properties.

The hydrophobic qualities prevent respiratory droplets from passing through the filter, while the HVAC system continues to filter dry molecules as usual.

This means common droplet-borne viruses like influenza and the common cold will also be effectively filtered from the air.

Effectiveness Against Variants

The technology is effective against all variants of COVID-19, as they all rely on droplet transmission.

“It doesn’t negate the need for precautions like hand washing and mask-wearing, but it does allow for safer indoor environments,” Curran emphasizes.

Current Implementation and Future Expansion

Currently, Curran Biotech’s Capture Coating technology is being utilized in 11 states.

The company is preparing to announce partnerships with distributors and filter manufacturers to make coated filters directly available to consumers.

Successful trials have already been conducted in New York City, and Curran Biotech aims to expand the product’s use across businesses and institutions nationwide.