GUD Sheet. A Made-in-Japan multi-use self-cleaning photocatalytic copper sheet barrier effective against coronavirus
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It is well-known that copper is an effective antiviral surface, able to inactivate microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses in about 4 hours.
Recently, a copper sheet with photocatalytic activity was developed by Gunma Development & Innovation, a spin-off company of the University of Gunma in Japan. |
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The photocatalytic copper sheet was made by weaving chemical fibers covered with thin copper and coating them with powdered photocatalyst that remains even if washed and is always active in the light. Previous experiments using this Sheet showed the amount of viable E. coli bacteria dropped to 1/10,000 in about 30 minutes compared to one-tenth that for ordinary copper fiber sheets.
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Today (Jan 5/2021), an announcement was made that the GUD sheet also shows a high inactivation rate against the new coronavirus, according to research from Gunma University School of Medicine. In elegant experiments that used a genetically modified coronavirus incorporating a photoprotein, thus allowing researchers to quickly ascertain by luminescence intensity the degree of viral proliferation after infecting host cells, the GUD Sheet was shown to quickly inactivate Sars-CoV-2, making it the only solid material that can quickly inactivate coronavirus. |
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Additional experiments using a different virus (bacteriophage) placed on a finger showed that when touching plastic or stainless steel, a considerable amount of virus is transferred to the surface and adheres to the next person who touched the same surface. However, when the touched surface consisted of GUD Sheet, after only 120 seconds, attached virus was not transferred, indicating that the virus had been completely inactivated during this time. This also is consistent with previous experiments showing that wiping your hands with the GUD Sheet inactivates microorganisms in only a couple of minutes. |
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How GUD sheet works
The sheet is based on technology related to titanium dioxide photocatalysts, for which the university filed a patent application.
A Photocatalyst is a material that creates highly oxidative chemical species by being exposed to light. This Copper Fiber Sheet, which feels like a flexible soft fabric, has attached to it a photocatalyst that works in visible light. Exposure of visible light to this material activates the photocatalytic reaction, resulting in reactive oxygen species like O2- and hydroxyl radical (OH-). These molecules inactivate viruses and bacteria. The photocatalyst is active all the time when exposed to light; it never runs out, and never washes off.
Multi-use
The GUD Sheet offers many possibilities for use to reduce viral transmission. For example:
The GUD Sheet offers many possibilities for use to reduce viral transmission. For example:
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1) as a portable covering for your hands when grasping or holding things (Handkerchief style), 2) as a covering for your mask (Mask cover style), and 3) as an adhesive barrier you can attach to any plastic or metal surface (Do-It-Yourself Adhesive style). |
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Products
Handkerchief with finger pocket made with GUD Sheet
Use to grasp, push or hold any surface that is frequently touched by others.
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Just some of the uses of the GUD Sheet handkerchief are:
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GUD Sheet Mask Cover
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With its own ear strap, this is meant to fit over your existing mask as a pure copper barrier. |
The illustrations below show how using a GUD mask can limit viral transmission
Do-it-yourself copper GUD sheet adhesive barrier
This product allows you to attach a GUD sheet to a double sided industrial sticker, then cut that sticker into any size and shape you like, and attach it to any plastic or metal surface. This allows you to place a self-sterilizing barrier on any metal or plastic surface.
INSTRUCTIONS
Applications:
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GUD Sheet is currently being used to cover the elevator buttons in Kiryu Kosei General Hospital, as well as in a kindergarten.
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The GUD Sheet has been featured on NHK television as well as by the government of Japan on its official twitter feed. 
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