Study: Corona virus lives on surfaces within thin films

A study conducted by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology indicated that the coronavirus lives on surfaces by clinging to thin liquid films, which provide information on how the novel coronavirus can survive for hours or days on hard surfaces in ambient conditions.

Attributes study, published in the journal Fluid physics , The duration of survival of the novel coronavirus on the surface upon the slow evaporation of the thin nanometer liquid film left after the large drop has evaporated.

The researchers said being able to predict the survival of the new Corona virus on various surfaces could help prevent and contain the spread COVID-19While typical respiratory droplets dry out in seconds, Coronavirus survival time on various surfaces during recent tests is in the order of hours.

Researchers have suggested that this discrepancy indicates a difference in size over time between droplet drying and the residence time of a virus. COVID-19 On surfaces, where the researchers describe how a nanometer-thick liquid film adheres to the surface, due to the forces London-van der Waals , This allows a virus COVID-19 Stay for hours.

An associate professor of the study said: “Our thin-film transport model shows that the survival or drying time of a thin liquid film on a surface is between hours and days, similar to what is observed in virus titers measurements. “.

Because the longer the virus has a longer survival time, the higher the chances of infection, the researchers said it is advisable to disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs or mobile devices, and inside hospitals and other areas prone to epidemics.

They added: “We also recommend heating the surfaces, because even high temperatures for a short time, where the surface is at a temperature above room temperature, can help vaporize the nanometer layer and eliminate the virus.”