In a recent study, researchers from the University of Jyväskylä and the University of Eastern Finland examined the antiviral properties of different types of wood, including coniferous and deciduous trees, against coronaviruses and enteroviruses.
Shroff othersScots pine and Norway spruce were found to have excellent antiviral activity, especially against enveloped viruses, with onset within 10-15 minutes. In contrast, other hardwoods showed mixed efficacy, and oak showed effectiveness against enteroviruses. Image courtesy of Schroff. others., doi: 10.1021/acsami.4c02156.
Since ancient times, wood has played a vital role in tools, utilities, and construction.
The 20th century witnessed a depletion of wood resources, prompting the emergence of alternatives like plastics and metals for interior surfaces and fixtures.
A growing concern for sustainability and the unique qualities of wood has led to a resurgence in its use across various applications.
The 21st century has brought new health challenges, including viral outbreaks like SARS and COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of surface hygiene.
Viruses can persist on surfaces as fomites, with enveloped viruses having shorter survival times compared to non-enveloped viruses.
Wood has been known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, but its antiviral capabilities were not thoroughly explored until this study.
Researchers investigated how different types of wood affect the infectivity of enveloped and non-enveloped viruses.
The study found that certain types of wood could significantly reduce viral infectivity within hours, showcasing their potential as natural antiviral materials.
Their research paper was published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.
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Reference: Sailey Shroff et al. (2024). Inactivation of coronaviruses and enteroviruses on solid wood surfaces depending on wood species. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 16(23), 29621-29633. doi:10.1021/acsami.4c02156
Source: www.sci.news
