UCF research shows disinfectant works to fight off COVID-19, other viruses

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A group of University of Central Florida researchers has found that their disinfectant experiment can work against specific viruses.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Some of those viruses, including SARS and Zika, have been present worldwide for the last 10 years.

The results of the study were recently published in a scientific journal, ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces.

Read: Puerto Rican UCF grad student paving way for women in aerospace industry

Based on their data, the disinfectant is made up of nanomaterials, showing the connection between science and microbiology.

Read: UCF Limbitless program expands training for student veterans

The team studied yttrium silicate and said the material has antiviral properties that activate in white light, like sunlight or LED lights.

Udit Kumar is the lead author on the study and a doctoral student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

Read: UCF welcomes new class of students 50+ in LIFE program

He said the yttrium silicate could disinfect surfaces in about 30 minutes.

“This disinfectant technology is an important achievement for both engineering and health because we all were affected during the pandemic,” researcher Suipta Seal said. “COVID is still ongoing and who knows what other illnesses are on the horizon.”

Video: DOJ to mobilize strike teams to go after COVID-19-related fraud The Department of Justice says some big cities will soon have strike teams to fight COVID-19-related fraud. (James Tutten, WFTV.com/WFTV)

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2022 Cox Media Group