Inactivation of avian influenza virus H1N1 by photocatalyst under visible light irradiation.

A novel photocatalyst - ILUMIO (platinum-loaded tungsten oxide) - was evaluated for its anti-influenza virus activity with the avian isolate A/northern pintail/Miyagi/1472/08 (H1N1). Under a fluorescent lamp of 1000lx in the absence of ultraviolet light, the virus was inactivated to below the detection limit i.e. >5.3log inactivation within 2h. This photocatalyst can be used for coating walls, tables, and other surfaces to decrease virus infectivity associated with surfaces. This would be desirable to reduce transmission of infection due to indirect contact, because self-inoculation of the nasal mucosa by contaminated hands is a major transmission mode of influenza viruses from human to human, alongside with transmissions via aerosols and droplets.