Kurabo fiber neutralizes flu viruses

OSAKA (Kyodo) Textile maker Kurabo Industries Ltd. said it has codeveloped a fiber that neutralized influenza viruses and will start selling it in late November.

Researchers from Kurabo and the graduate school of Hiroshima University developed a disinfectant that is safe to humans and leaves flu viruses, including the H1N1 strain, inert.

The Osaka-based company said it attached it to the surface of fibers, which maintain antiviral effectiveness even after 50 washes and can be woven into clothing and various other products, including curtains and carpets.

Kurabo said it is also planning to cooperate with affiliates to use the fiber in products such as filters.

The company hopes to chalk up ¥500 million in sales of the fiber in the 2010 business year, which begins next April, and ¥1.5 billion in 2012.