In this thesis we have tested the virucidal potential of physicochemical factors, surfactants, solutions and suspensions of metal salts, as well as ceramic and metal surfaces on the bacteriophage (phage) Phi-6. Phi-6 is used as a surrogate for pathogenic animal viruses with a lipid envelopes. We determined the titer of the phage before and after treatment using the double layered agar method and defined virucidal activity as a titer drop by four logaritms or more, which indicates that 99,99 % of the phage was destroyed. Temperature, pH and UV have virucidal potential. Virucidal effects were also found when we treated the phage with surfactants. The natural surfactants surfactin had a bigger virucidal effect than the synthetic ones. The solutions which contained copper had strong virucidal effect. The inactivation of viruses on ceramic and metal composite surfaces was determined using dropplet suspensions on the surface and directly in contact with the surface. The best virucidal effect was observed on surfaces containing copper and/or silver. These materials could be used in the production of antiviral surfaces with which we come into daily contact.
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