Can this Israeli start-up help stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus?

“The technology is based upon a physical phenomenon called cavitation,” said Jason Migdal, head of the company’s business development team. “Soundwaves are used to physically infuse desired chemicals onto the structure area of materials, enhancing them with clinically proven antiviral and antibacterial properties.”

The coronavirus has spread like wildfire across China and now into several other countries, including the United States and Australia. Israel, too, is examining patients who might be afflicted with the disease. Several dozen people have died and thousands more are infected. The disease manifests itself as severe respiratory problems, including hemorrhagic pneumonia and liver and kidney dysfunction.

Earlier this week, China’s National Health Commission reported that “the ability of the coronavirus to spread is getting stronger, and infections could continue to rise,” according to Reuters. Until a vaccine is successfully formulated and internationally distributed, more lives are in danger.

“We therefore want to accelerate development of our technology into providing antiviral face masks, eye wear and hospital clothing,” Migdal said. “The virus is spread via aerosol and direct contact. Significantly, the latest reports also state that the ocular route is a key mechanism for infection.”

“Antiviral personal protective equipment – which are low-cost, highly durable and effective, as well as sustainable to the environment – are therefore of crucial importance to combat the transmission of this viral epidemic and avoid a pandemic,” he said.