French textile innovator Serge Ferrari has developed a patented membrane that eradicates 99.5% of coronaviruses from its surface. The key? Integrated silver particles renowned for their antiviral power.
Serge Ferrari, a leader in high-performance textile membranes based in La Tour-du-Pin, Isère, has created a breakthrough virucidal fabric. As reported by France Info on May 18, 2020, this innovation harnesses silver particles—long recognized for antibacterial efficacy—to combat viruses.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the company's R&D teams pivoted to develop practical solutions. After two months of rigorous testing at Lyon's VirHealth laboratory, they validated the membrane's effectiveness and secured a patent.
Sébastien Baril, the company's marketing director, confirms the fabric destroys 95% of viruses within 15 minutes of contact and up to 99.5% after one hour. Tests targeted the HCoV-229E coronavirus, identified in the 1960s and a precursor to SARS (2003) and MERS (2012). This suggests strong potential against SARS-CoV-2.
Interest is surging from communities and businesses aiming to outfit public spaces like schools, nurseries, offices, museums, chairs, desks, door handles, and transit grab bars. Serge Ferrari is prepared for initial installations, with 3,000 square meters already delivered per Lyon Entreprises.
Current production stands at 20,000 square meters weekly, scalable for demand. Importantly, company leaders emphasize that this membrane complements—not replaces—essential barrier gestures and hygiene practices.
