Facile preparation of antiviral grafted fabrics based on silver-immobilized phosphate groups and evaluation of COVID-19 infections

Matsumura, Daiju   ; Tsuji, Takuya  ; Seko, Noriaki*; 5 of others*

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for protective materials with rapid and durable antiviral properties. We developed silver (Ag)-immobilized fabrics via radiation-induced graft polymerization and tested their activity against SARS-CoV-2. The fabrics reduced 40,000 viral particles to below detection within one hour, showed no Ag leaching after 24 h in water, and retained complete antiviral performance after one year of storage. These findings demonstrate the long-term stability and strong potential of Ag-immobilized fabrics for industrial use in protective equipment.