Imagine If Killing Flu Viruses And Other Microbes Were As Simple As
Turning On A Light

Article Date: 04 Nov 2006 - 12:00pm (PST)


Exposing a unique surface coating to light may in fact hold the key to
protecting you from virtually all viruses and bacteria, including the
feared avian flu.

Laboratory testing of a novel, permanent nano-coating, developed in
collaboration by researchers at North Carolina State University
College of Textiles and Emory University School of Medicine, has been
shown to kill or inactivate most viruses and bacteria when exposed to
visible light. Early tests have shown that the coating kills 99.9
percent of influenza viruses and 99.99 percent of vaccinia virus,
which causes rash, fever, head and body aches.

The coating technology was developed by Dr. Stephen Michielsen,
associate professor in NC State's College of Textiles, and Drs. Igor
Stojiljkovic and Gordon Churchward, associate professors at Emory
University's School of Medicine in Atlanta.

NC State has applied for a patent on the invention, which has been
licensed to Research Triangle Park-based start-up LaamScience, Inc.
The company - whose name stands for Light Activated Anti Microbials -
has raised more than $400,000 in seed financing from North Carolina
angel investors that will enable it to optimize the coating and begin
developing product prototypes.

Prototypes will be used in performance trials targeting hospital areas
including waiting rooms. The company is also developing a room air
purifier that incorporates its nano-coated filter technology. Other
potential application areas include anti-viral filter systems for
airplanes and businesses, as well as for a variety of uses for first
responders and the military, including anti-viral masks. Perhaps
equally important, the invention may be used to make everyday objects
resistant to viruses and bacteria in the presence of light.

"We have many exciting opportunities to use these proprietary coatings
to stop infection before it causes disease and death," says Tom
Roberg, chief executive officer of LaamScience. "The technology
developed at NC State and Emory University provides a huge opportunity
to impact the health and welfare of people throughout the world."

The invention grew out of Michielsen's research into nanotechnology
and its use to modify the surface of polymers and fibers. The thin
coating is a type of dye that can be applied to the surface of all
types of fabrics and materials. When exposed to light, the coating
acts as a photo catalyst, sparking a chemical reaction with air and
killing most viral and bacterial microbes.

"In the presence of light, a specific reaction takes place on the
surface that makes the air poisonous to the microbes, yet harmless to
people," Michielsen says. "The coating doesn't wear out and
continually regenerates so it's able to continue killing viruses again
and again."

Michielsen presented the results of his coating research last fall as
part of the Achieve More Field Day series, which is organized by the
NC State's Office of Extension, Engagement and Economic Development.
The Achieve More Field Day invites industry executives, venture
capitalists and science and technology entrepreneurs to campus to
learn more about NC State's research, resources and partnership
opportunities. Roberg heard Michielsen's presentation and approached
him and the university about licensing, patenting, and commercializing
the coating technology.

"This is an outstanding example of how quickly breakthrough research
results can be brought to market when the right conditions are
present," said Dr. A. Blanton Godfrey, dean of the College of
Textiles. "NC State's continuing focus on economic development coupled
with our traditional land-grant mission creates the right atmosphere
for bringing leading researchers together with entrepreneurs. The
potential economic benefit to the Triangle area and state is only
overshadowed by the potential benefit to the health of our and the
world's population."

LaamScience's headquarters and laboratory are in the Becton Dickinson
Technologies' incubator space in Research Triangle Park, where the
company will develop the coating technology for commercial uses.

"The potential uses for this technology are unlimited," says Dr.
Patrick Mize, LaamScience's chief science officer. "These are
applications that can change the world."