FAQ

What is the science behind the antivirus mechanism?
The technology involves exploitation of the characteristics of the capsid layers of microorganisms, including viruses and bacterias. The development of a cationic textile surface through introduction of silver and titanium ions imitates the natural binding sites in living hosts.

PROX™ technology has leveraged the science to its advantage with its application in textile products. The techniques and condition of application was developed through a series of systematic study on optimization of dosages, processing parameters and fabric types.

The inactivation mechanism of viruses is based on the distortion of the protein capsid by adsorption of negatively charged glycoprotein layers to the positively charged surface, subsequently leading to the release of non-infectious RNA.

Tests have shown that the treated material maintains its properties without leaching or emission of volatile organic compounds.

Does inactivate means kill?
PROX™ antiviral technology is tested to be effective against viruses and bacteria. With partnership with Swiss company, HeiQ Materials AG, the antivirus efficacy tests also showed inactivation of other deadly viruses such as H1N1 (Human Influenza A), H5N1 (Avian Influenza A), 229E (Human Coronavirus), H7N9 (2013 Influenza A), RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and Mycobacterium terrae as well. Antivirus performance was >99.9% in all the cases. For more information, please visit the link shown below;

https://heiq.com/technologies/heiq-viroblock/

Note that since viruses are technically not “living” organisms outside of a host, thus they cannot be “killed”. They are inactivated and rendered harmless through the use of antivirus agents.

How was it tested against Covid-19?
The fundamental of the antiviral technology involves the presence of active positive charges on fabric, as binding sites for virus. Upon contact with fabric, the virus cells which are negatively charged, are neutralized, subsequently leading to rapid destruction of its glycoprotein layers. A known concentration of SARS-CoV-2 virus was contacted with the treated fabric followed by measurement of remaining infectious SARS-CoV-2 viruses, as per the ISO 18184 protocol. The treated fabric showed virus reduction of SARS-CoV-2 over 99.9% relative to the inoculum control.

Is the technology safe and user-friendly?
The technology is safe for both adult and children. Human biocompatibility testing demonstrated perfect skin compatibility and no harmful substance was released or emitted during dynamic airflow test.