June 16, 2005
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June 16, 2005
TOKYO, June 16, 2005 - Japanese researchers have discovered that a nickel-alloy coating with antibacterial properties is believed to be effective at reducing the SARS coronavirus. Laboratory testing conducted by Associate Professor Norio Hirano of Iwate University found the nickel-alloy coating developed by Kobe Steel, Ltd. reduced the growth of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV, or mouse coronavirus), which is a close relative of the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) coronavirus (CoV). Both MHV and SARS CoV are in the same group of coronaviruses. Experiments were conducted to examine the effectiveness of the nickel-alloy coating on stainless steel. Plastic and stainless steel were used as the control. Other experiments examined the effect of room temperature on incubation time. In both cases, the study demonstrated that the nickel-alloy coating decreased the growth of MHV. SARS is spread through close contact, such as coughing, sneezing or contact with feces of patients. It can also be transmitted when people touch surfaces contaminated with the virus. According to the World Health Organization, over 8,000 people came down with SARS in the 2003 global outbreak and 774 died from the illness. The use of antibacterial material can help to control the spread of infectious diseases. "MHV and SARS CoV are so similar to each other in size, structure, replication, mode of transmission, and other properties that we believe the nickel-alloy coating will work on controlling SARS," said Dr. Hirano. "The study results of the nickel-alloy coating on MHV is further evidence of its effectiveness to control infectious diseases," he said. Dr. Hirano will present his findings at the 10th International Nidovirus Symposium: Toward Control of SARS and other Nidovirus Diseases, to be held June 25-30 in Colorado Springs, Colorado (USA). His paper, co-authored with Dr. Takenori Nakayama of Kobe Steel's Materials Research Laboratory, is entitled "Virucidal Effect of Newly Developed Nickel Alloy Coating on Mouse Coronavirus." Following a mass outbreak of food poisoning by Escherichia coli O157:H7 that hit Sakai, Japan, in 1996, Kobe Steel, Japan's fourth largest steelmaker, began research on materials with antibacterial properties. In 2001, Kobe Steel developed the nickel-alloy coating called KENI FINE. The material is applicable to hospitals, commercial kitchens, food processing plants, and other facilities and equipment where a high degree of hygiene is essential to reduce contamination. To date, Kobe Steel has licensed the technology to six companies and five other firms are using it on a trial basis. In the food handling business, KENI FINE is used in food processing equipment, food conveyors, food cabinets and scales. In the medical and healthcare fields, the new coating is found on door handles and in bacteria incubators, and in the appliance market, KENI FINE is used in air conditioner parts and refrigerators. Kobe Steel intends to continue studies on the effect of KENI FINE on other varieties of viruses to expand the application of the new coating. Future uses could include schools, train stations, train cars, airports, care facilities and other health-related areas. Characteristics KENI FINE is an electrolytic plating that contains nickel and trace amounts of other elements. It is 100 times more effective than conventional materials in containing bacterial growth. When plated to the substrate, the ions in the KENI FINE coating yield antibacterial properties. KENI FINE also works quickly. It is 10 times faster at controlling microorganisms than conventional surface-treated products, such as antibacterial paint and antibacterial stainless steel. The alloy coating also has outstanding antifungal and antialgal properties. Improvements to KENI FINE have made it resistant to discoloration. In addition to metals, the coating is also available in powder form for use on plastic surfaces. The new metal coating has high formability, durability and safety. Even when press-formed or welded, the high antibacterial property does not deteriorate. KENI FINE is harder and more resistant to abrasion and impact than conventional coatings. This durability - four to five times higher than antibacterial stainless steel - enables the antibacterial property to last longer. Zero toxicity and no skin irritation have been verified by outside organizations. Acute toxicity tests on laboratory rats were conducted by the Japan Food Research Laboratories and skin-patch tests on people were done by Japan's Consumer Science Research Institute. Norio Hirano Dr. Norio Hirano is Associate Professor in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Iwate University, Japan. He is internationally recognized for his research work on DBT cells for mouse hepatitis viruses (MHV). Takenori Nakayama Dr. Takenori Nakayama is Principal Researcher at Kobe Steel's Materials Research Laboratory. He is one of the main developers of KENI FINE. Kobe Steel, Ltd. Kobe Steel, Ltd. is one of Japan's leading steelmakers and producers of aluminum and copper products. Other businesses include welding consumables, machinery, and construction equipment. With an extensive R&D menu, Kobe Steel conducts research on coatings and materials design. More information is available at: www.kobelco.co.jp
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