Mass. Researchers Create Disinfectant to Fight Ebola

Researchers in Massachusetts are playing a key role in the Ebola crisis.

Massachusetts researchers are playing an integral role in combating Ebola.

The researchers are from the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center in Natick. They have created a very potent disinfectant system that kills the Ebola virus on surfaces.

"To know that's it's really working and helping people in a crisis like this, I think, is just magnificent," said Dr. Christopher Doona, a lead inventor at the lab.

Researchers say the disinfectant is now being used on the front lines of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

It's a method of combining chemicals to generate chlorine dioxide gas. However, what makes Natick Labs' disinfectant so different is that the one they created is easy to carry and portable.

It can fit in a suitcase and can be activated in places where clean water isn't readily available. The disinfectant can also be made without power or caustic acids, ideal for places like West Africa.

Dr. Doona says the lab has even developed a handheld sprayer which can target Ebola surfaces.

Right now, a private company in New Jersey is marketing the product, so it's available commercially.

Another plus for the disinfectant - it can be made quickly by combining the chemicals contained in the suitcase and can also be made in different potencies.

"Just to know that's it's being useful, to know we had a part in it, it's just thrilling," said Research Microbiologist Florence Feeherry.

The researchers say they now have inquiries from U.S hospitals to use the disinfectant system.

Contact Us