MIT Solve

Solution Overview

Solution Name:

Antiviral/Antigerm Wearable Coating

One-line solution summary:

Wearable material with heatable external surface for antiviral/antigerm coatings for gloves, masks, clothing, furniture, etc.

Pitch your solution.

Viruses and germs can spread invisibly via surfaces we touch everyday, including the skin, clothing, furniture, tables, etc. If we could transform these surfaces into antiviral/antigerm surfaces that viruses and germs cannot survive, without changing the normal functions of these surfaces, the spread of viruses and germs will be greatly reduced. Here we propose a wearable/flexible material/coating, named SterileFLEX, whose external surface temperature can be electrically controlled by an embeded resistive mesh layer for a short amount of time to disinfect. A thermal insulation layer is added between the inner surface of the material and the resistive mesh layer to protect the unwanted heating of the inner side. The material is powered by an integrated solar battery which receives energy from ambient light. As an example with CoVID-19, ThermoFlex will heat up to 56C for a short amount of time, a condition known to disinfect CoVID-19.

What specific problem are you solving?

Viruses and germs can spread invisibly via surfaces we touch everyday, including the skin, clothing, furniture, tables, etc. In the era of pandemics (e.g. CoVID19, influenza, etc.), all human beings are affected.

What is your solution?

If we could transform these surfaces into antiviral/antigerm surfaces that viruses and germs cannot survive, without changing the normal functions of these surfaces, the spread of viruses and germs will be greatly reduced. Here we propose a wearable/flexible material/coating, named SterileFLEX, whose external surface temperature can be electrically controlled by an embeded resistive mesh layer, for a short amount of time to disinfect. A thermal insulation layer is added between the inner surface of the material and the resistive mesh layer to protect the unwanted heating of the inner side. The material is powered by an integrated solar battery which receives energy from ambient light. As an example with CoVID-19, ThermoFlex will heat up to 56C for a short amount of time, a condition known to disinfect CoVID-19.

Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?

If we could transform these surfaces into antiviral/antigerm surfaces that viruses and germs cannot survive, without changing the normal functions of these surfaces, the spread of viruses and germs will be greatly reduced. Potential users include but not limited to workers and doctors who need to touch a large amount of surfaces in a daily manner. Even if they are only equipped with anti-viral gloves, it would greatly protect them from catching surface-transmitted viruses and germs.

Explain how the problem, your solution, and your solution’s target population relate to the Challenge.

The solution of antiviral/antigerm surfaces protects people from viral and bacterial infections, and slow down the spread of epidemics and pandemics.

In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?

Cambridge, MA, USA

What is your solution’s stage of development?

Concept: An idea being explored for its feasibility to build a product, service, or business model based on that idea

Who is the primary delegate for your solution?

Changyang Linghu