Textile maker Kurabo, Japan has developed a fiber that inactivates influenza viruses in cooperation with researchers at the graduate school of Hiroshima University. Kurabo will start selling the fiber in late November. The researchers developed a disinfectant that is safe to humans and inactivates flu viruses including the H1N1 strain and Kurabo attached it to the surface of fibers.

The fiber maintains antiviral effectiveness even after 50 washes and can be woven into clothing and various other products such as curtains and carpets. Kurabo is also planning to cooperate with affiliates to use the fiber in products such as filters.