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A joint team of university researchers, a clothing manufacturer and a local start-up has given a magic touch to the world's first antiviral three-dimensional printing material - with a life span of over three years.

The printing material - manufactured by the Polytechnic University, Lawsgroup and Immune Materials - can be fashioned into protective sleeves for frequently-touched surfaces such as door handles, handrails and elevator buttons. They are being used in local hospitals, quarantine centers and schools.

"The material can eliminate over 90 percent of the coronavirus within 10 minutes. It is effective against the Omicron variant and most other common bacteria and viruses," Lawsgroup said.

The sleeves are scratch-resistant, the clothing manufacturer added, making them a better choice than antiviral sprays since the sprayed coating usually wears off after cleaning.

Researchers believe the material can play a vital role in fighting Covid and future epidemics.

The technology has been adopted in Lawsgroup's commercial properties such as the D2 Place shopping mall in Lai Chi Kok.

The material will gradually be implemented in manufacturing facilities, retail shops and overseas properties after further testing.

The Sham Shui Po district office also recently announced its collaboration with Immune Materials, saying it will use the technology in its public facilities and "three-nil buildings" that have no owners'corporations, no residents' organizations and no property management companies.

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