The spread of COVID-19 via surface contamination is an ongoing, urgent issue. Detection of surface contamination could help reduce the risk of spreading the virus, but it is often hard to tell if frequently used surfaces or protective equipment (face shields, transparent barriers) have been contaminated or are properly cleaned.
Opalux’s Opal Detect technology can respond to the presence or absence of targeted substances to provide highly visible colour indicators. The technology is patent-protected, scalable, and economical.
Potential Applications
Using its extensive know-how in Smart Materials, Opalux will fine tune and commercialize the Opal Detect technology to produce a range of materials that will readily indicate the cleanliness or contamination of surfaces, the presence of viral materials such as COVID-19 or its carriers, or the presence and effectiveness of sanitizers used in their elimination.
The Opal Detect technology is flexible, adaptable, and customizable. Opal Detect can be incorporated into a thin-film such as a sticker or laminate, or as a smart pigment into a coating onto diverse types of surfaces.