Water-Based Paint with Photocatalytic Properties Proven Effective in Inactivating of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus on Coated Surfaces ～Based on a Joint Test with the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research at University of Ghana～

Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Chairman, President and CEO: Masaaki Tanaka; “NPHD”) hereby announces that water-based paint containing a visible light-responsive photocatalyst has proven effective in inactivating of the SARS-CoV-2 virus placed on coated surfaces in a test.
Through a demonstration test conducted by Nippon Paint as part of a joint research project with the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) at University of Ghana, which is accredited as a research organization for infectious diseases by the World Health Organization (WHO), Nippon Paint verified that the SARS-CoV-2 virus placed on coated surfaces was inactivated.
This test was conducted in a laboratory setting. Therefore, the test results are not proof of the effectiveness of actual products under actual conditions of use.

NPHD is committed to continuing its research and development activities for the creation of safe spaces for customers by utilizing its paint and coating technologies.

【Test results】

A test comparing a glass surface and a coated surface with the SARS-CoV-2 virus demonstrated that the coated surface reduced the quantity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by at least 99%.

【Outline of the test】

Test paints: Water-based paint products containing a visible light-responsive photocatalyst
Target virus: SARS-CoV-2
Testing method: A fluid containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus was placed on surfaces coated with test paints. Then, surfaces were covered with Petri dish lids and irradiated with fluorescent light. The SARS-CoV-2 virus was recovered after 12 hours and the RT-qPCR test was used to calculate the survival rate of the virus using the Ct (Threshold Cycle) value as the parameter.
Residual virus rate (%): 1/2ΔCt　*ΔCt＝(Ct value on the surface with a coating) – (Ct value on the glass surface)
Testing location: Inside a bio safety cabinet at NMIMR
Test results: The quantity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus placed on the coated surfaces decreased by at least 99% after 12 hours compared with the quantity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the glass surface.

【Comment from an expert on the test results】

Professor Tetsuya Mizutani, Director of Research and Education Center for Prevention of Global Infectious Diseases of Animals, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
“Disinfectants such as alcohol and detergents (surface active agent) are said to be an effective way to prevent the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on surfaces in indoor environments. However, preventing infections by using alcohol and detergents requires cleaning with these substances of areas that are touched frequently. This test has proven the efficacy of water-based paint containing a visible light-responsive photocatalyst in inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus on coated surfaces in a laboratory setting. Visible light-responsive photocatalyst technologies offer excellent prospects for adding functionality to coated surfaces.”

【Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) at University of Ghana】

The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research was established in 1979 as a biomedical research facility attached to University of Ghana with grant from Japan. University of Ghana Medical School was formerly Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where Dr. Hideyo Noguchi conducted research on yellow fever and other diseases. NMIMR is now accredited as a research organization for infectious diseases by the World Health Organization (WHO) and recognized as a leading research organization in the field of infectious diseases in West Africa. In addition, the NMIMR Advanced Research Laboratory for Infectious Diseases was launched in 2019 with assistance from Japan. This facility is equipped with the latest facilities to conduct research for the early detection and containment of infectious diseases.

【Nippon Paint Co., Ltd. 】

Head Office: 4-7-16 Minamishinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Masuo Kida, Representative Director and President
Lines of business: Development, manufacturing and sales of decorative paints (used for housing and buildings, etc.), paint used for large structures (bridges, industrial plants, etc.) and automotive refinish coatings
URL of corporate website: https://www.nipponpaint.co.jp/

Media contact: Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd.
Email: nphd-kohou＠nipponpaint.jp