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Researchers from the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ and University of Eastern Finland (UEF) have collaborated with Academy of Finland supported research projects to publish groundbreaking research on the antiviral capabilities of solid wood surfaces. The study, led by the research groups of Varpu Marjomäki at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ and professor Antti Haapala at the University of Eastern Finland, investigated the antiviral potential of different wood species against enveloped coronaviruses and non-enveloped enteroviruses. 

- This study marks a significant step forward in understanding how natural materials can be leveraged to enhance public health, says Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology Varpu Marjomäki from the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥.  

Trees can limit the spread of the virus 

The COVID-19 pandemic and recurrent viral outbreaks have underscored the urgent need for innovative strategies to reduce virus transmission. While wood has been a fundamental material in human environments for centuries, its antiviral properties have not been extensively explored—until now. This research is the first to systematically evaluate the inherent antiviral efficacy of the sawn wood material from various tree species, including both coniferous and deciduous trees, under different environmental conditions. 

- At the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥, in the Nanoscience Center's virus laboratory, we made detailed analyzes of the virus-destroying properties of wood and the mechanisms behind them, says Marjomäki. 

Key Findings: 

• Pine and Spruce: These coniferous species demonstrated excellent antiviral activity against enveloped coronaviruses, significantly reducing viral infectivity within just 10 to 15 minutes. However, their efficacy against non-enveloped enteroviruses was less pronounced. 
• Oak: This hardwood species was notably effective against non-enveloped enteroviruses, showcasing its potential for broader antiviral applications. 
• Chemical Composition: Analysis at UEF revealed that the antiviral properties are primarily governed by the chemical composition of the wood, including the presence of resin acids, terpenes, and phenolic compounds. These chemicals vary significantly between species and are influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. 
• Porosity and Absorption: While the porosity of wood and the absorption characteristics of viruses play a role, the study highlights that the chemical makeup of the wood is the key determinant in its antiviral functionality. 
• The research also found that thermal treatments and the addition of plastics to wood, such as in wood-plastic composites, can compromise the antiviral properties of the material. This insight opens new avenues for utilizing untreated or minimally processed wood surfaces in public health applications. 

The ACS journal, in which this study was published, has also made its own press release about this work. 

Developing more effective antiviral materials 

The research teams from UEF and JYU will continue their investigation into the most effective antiviral components of wood and their mechanisms of action as part of the ongoing European Doctorate Programme DESTINY, funded by the European Commission.  

- This future research aims to identify specific bioactive compounds that can be harnessed to develop sustainable and effective antiviral materials, says Marjomäki.  

JYU develops new antiviral surfaces 

Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology Varpu Marjomäki and her research group has long studied various molecules and already existing drugs, including both new synthetic molecules and molecules of natural origin.   

- We cooperate with several companies in order to develop this kind of functional materials, Marjomäki says. Biobased other solutions of natural origin are of high interest for the companies, and we have here an opportunity for pioneering work, she continues.  

 Article information:  

• Tree Species-Dependent Inactivation of Coronaviruses and Enteroviruses on Solid Wood Surfaces, Sailee Shroff, Anni Perämäki, Antti Väisänen, Pertti Pasanen, Krista Grönlund, Ville H. Nissinen, Janne ´³Ã¤²Ô¾±²õ, Antti Haapala, and Varpu Marjomäki, ACS Publications, 28.5.2024 
• Doi:   
• Link to article:  

Further information: 

• Professor Varpu Marjomäki, varpu.s.marjomaki@jyu.fi, +358 405634422 

• Professor Antti Haapala, the University of Eastern Finland, antti.haapala@uef.fi, +358 44 520 2849 

• About the Institutions: 
  • Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ (JYU): Renowned for its expertise in virology, JYU focuses on innovative research to combat viral pathogens and enhance public health. 
  • University of Eastern Finland (UEF): Chemistry department is located at the Joensuu campus with UEF is a leader in wood chemistry and mass spectrometry related analytical research, contributing significantly to the understanding of the chemical properties of natural materials.