An invisible protective shield using nanotechnology to fight Covid-19 has been trialled at Dubai International Airport to encourage safer travel.
Areas operated by Emirates airline were sprayed with Nanoksi’s photocatalytic antimicrobial coating, which offers protection from all viruses for up to a year.
The coating, called Fotonit, is applied in a spray and uses energy from visible light to generate reactive oxygen peroxides, which in turn decompose all organic material.
Manual sanitation up to eight times a day is labour-intensive and expensive. Hopefully, the Dubai trial will become the concept for all other airports
Dr Pasi Keinänen, Nanoksi Finland
Trial results will determine whether Emirates adopts the technology.
Nanoksi Finland’s chief executive, Dr Pasi Keinaenen, was involved in the research and development of the photocatalytic coating.
He said he hopes the trial will lead to airports around the world adopting the solution.
“Although it is light-activated it does not require ultraviolet light, so can be applied indoors,” he said.
“You cannot see or feel it; it is non-toxic and can be reapplied in high-abrasion areas every 12 months.
“It is purely initiating a natural reaction and does not contain any polymers, so it is highly resistant to high and low temperatures.
“Manual sanitation up to eight times a day is labour-intensive and expensive, so this is a much more efficient alternative.
“Hopefully, the Dubai trial will become the concept for all other airports around the world.”