Maha El-Sayed PhD
Less than 30% of the world’s researchers are women, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. However, one team fighting against COVID-19 is not only leading the charge to save lives, but also in empowering women in science, encouraging the next generation of girls and young women to pursue STEM education. At biotechnology company Allied BioScience, chief science officer Ms. Maha El-Sayed, PhD leads a female-dominated team of researchers, and their work has the potential to be a game changer in the fight against COVID-19 and future viruses.
Their product, SurfaceWise2, continuously kills 99.9% of viruses, including, most importantly, the virus that causes COVID-19. As Dr. El-Sayed explains, human coronaviruses can persist on inanimate surfaces such as plastic, glass, fibers and metals for up to nine days. This makes it critical to protect high traffic facilities where the contamination of surfaces is continuous, such as schools, stadiums, restaurants, offices and re-tail spaces.
More advanced than comparative products in reducing chemical and disinfectant exposure, SurfaceWise2 was proven in independent studies conducted by infectious disease experts to be effective, demonstrating the ability to successfully protect against CO-VID-19. It’s the first such product to be EPA-approved. So how is it used? Compatible with virtually all surfaces, Suface-Wise2 is applied via an electronic spray for efficient, complete and uniform treatment. Droplets are small and applied at a force of 75 times greater than gravity, causing a ‘wraparound effect,’ and a natural force of attraction between the sprayed droplets and target surfaces.
Once applied, the long-lasting antiviral coating physically breaks down the cells of bacteria and viruses that land on treated surfaces, continuously killing them. Despite its potency, this solution is very safe for humans, even in enclosed spaces. Non-toxic, non-irritating, odorless and containing no chemicals that produce harmful vapors or gases, it’s already used by airlines, hospitality and travel companies, and in healthcare spaces. In the coming months, Dr. El-Sayed expects to see further use in professional sporting facilities, restaurant dining rooms, offices, schools and other spaces. To learn more about the work and achievements of Dr. El-Sayed and her team, visit www.surface-wise.com
Courtesy StatePoint