Czech scientists have invented a paper that kills coronavirus

Czech scientists have created a special paper that effectively kills bacteria and viruses including the virus which causes COVID-19 within half an hour, reports the Czech Academy of Sciences.

The paper, infused with a mixture of zinc and silver, could potentially by used in healthcare facilities or even in the manufacturing of banknotes and other shared paper products to minimize the risk of exposure to viruses.

"Nanostructured complexes of zinc and silver are lined through the the paper," explains Jiří Sobek, from the Academy of Science's Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, in a Facebook post.

"They neutralize and trap viruses, bacteria, and yeasts throughout the lifespan of the paper. At the same time, [viruses and bacteria] are not transferred from the paper and it is completely safe in contact with human skin."

Scientists from the Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals have worked together with experts from the paper company Security Paper Mill to create and produce the paper.

The paper has been tested on a variety of bacteria and viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19; with it's success in neutralizing the coronavirus, it has been nicknamed the "anticovid" paper.

"We have confirmed in testing that after 30 minutes the virus is 100% eliminated," according to Security Paper Mill's Michael Broda.

"At the same time, the paper protects from a wide range of other bacteria, such as MRSA or staphylococcus aureus."

According to the Czech Academy of Sciences, the new paper is the first of its kind worldwide.

One of the immediate uses for the paper might be in healthcare facilities, where it can be used in the production of documents that are transferred between patients and staff.

It might also be utilized in the future in the production of paper banknotes, which have been identified in some studies as one of the surfaces where the COVID-19-causing coronavirus can survive for a lengthy time, up to 28 days.

Use of paper banknotes has reportedly decreased worldwide during the coronavirus pandemic, with many shops and services suggesting or requiring payment by card instead.