Advanced Virus Neutralisation

What is it?

AqFresh™ is a revolutionary new host-guest chemistry technology using cucurbiturils. These are barrel-shaped molecules which, unlike disinfectants or bleach, help inactivate proteins and thus safely neutralise viruses (including Coronavirus and Norovirus), without any harm to cells.  Viruses are neutralised on contact, when sprayed on surfaces, without any cytotoxicity.

AqFresh™  is also an odour capture technology that is effective wet or dry. It is therefore suitable for inclusion in liquids, powders, plastics and films. AqFresh™  is so effective that it works without the need for artificial fragrances to mask malodours.

Why is it needed?

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, consumers are following more rigorous home-cleaning regimes, including the use of disinfectants. However, consumers are looking for antiviral products that are gentler than disinfectants and non-toxic to breathe or to touch. Over 70% of Britons would be likely to buy an odourless, water-based, non-toxic Antiviral Indoor Air & Surfaces Spray, according to our 2020 survey of 100 UK consumers.

Consumers are also looking for antiviral solutions when away from home. 99% of Britons have been concerned about catching Covid-19 from airborne transmission in indoor public places. The no.1 concern is on buses. 72% of consumers would be more likely to go inside a public place if it had an automatic antiviral air spray.

Why is it unique?

Viruses are typically categorised as enveloped and non-enveloped. SARS-CoV-2, for example, is a coronavirus which contains RNA encased within an envelope comprising a lipid membrane decorated with glycoproteins. Non-enveloped viruses such as Norovirus also have exterior proteins.

The patented AqFresh™ technology consists of cucurbiturils. These are barrel-shaped molecules which complex with a range of chemical species, including some amino acids, and hence proteins. Certain cucurbiturils have a broad-spectrum virucidal action. They bind to protein amino acids to disrupt and irreversibly neutralise both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses.

AqFresh™ is not harmful to the environment. The cucurbiturils act as an adjuvant that helps make the overall finished product less harsh by enabling reduced concentration of the core ingredients.

How effective is it?

Aqdot has been awarded a £720,000 UK government research-and-innovation grant to safely improve the safety of air and surfaces by inactivating viruses.

AqFresh™ uses cucurbiturils which help safely neutralise viruses. They work fast, keep on working, and are highly versatile in formulation compatibility.

Analysis by the global leader in anti-viral testing, MSL, to EN and ISO standards, and the Universities of Cambridge and Manchester, shows that cucurbiturils have exceptional efficacy of virus inactivation.

Cucurbiturils inactivate enveloped and non-enveloped viruses within 5 mins, with dose dependency. The technology is proven to be non-cytotoxic, so is safer than disinfectants because it does not kill cells.

Cucurbiturils provide antiviral performance on surfaces as a Pre-treatment or a Post-treatment application. There is a clear dose effect enabling 4 log viral reduction.