Crab shells could be used to protect healthcare workers from coronavirus by killing germs on medical equipment, Welsh scientists have said, according to the BBC.

It is hoped a coating which has long-lasting "virus destroying" properties could be made from chitosan, a chemical naturally found in the shells.

It is being developed in north Wales by the firm Pennotec and chemists at Bangor University.

They hope it can used on protective equipment to halt virus spread.

The Gwynedd-based company, working with Bangor University's BioComposites Centre, has modified chitosan found in lobster and crab shells to make the anti-virus product.

They now hope to create a coating which can be applied to medical equipment, and masks and gowns worn by NHS staff, which will kill any virus coming into contact with it.

Once the chitosan-based coatings have been developed, their effectiveness against viruses, particularly coronaviruses, will be tested in the laboratory.