Binding and inactivation of human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, onto purified clinoptilolite-tuff

Abstract

The current COVID19 pandemic is caused by a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus, which presents high mutational rates. The development of effective therapeutics and mitigation strategies using vaccination or therapeutic antibodies faces serious challenges because of the regular emergence of immune escape variants of the virus. An efficient approach would involve the use of an agent to non-specifically limit or block viruses contacting the mucosae and therefore entering the body. Here, we investigated the ability of a micronized purified clinoptilolite-tuff to bind and neutralize different viruses from the Coronaviridae family. Using plaque assay, RT-qPCR and immunostaining, the adsorption and inactivation of the seasonal human coronavirus HCoV-229E and of 2 SARS-CoV-2 variants were demonstrated. The resulting data suggest that purified clinoptilolite-tuff could be used as an ingredient in new medical devices and/or pharmaceuticals to prevent or mitigate SARS-CoV-2 dissemination.

Purified Clinoptilolite-Tuff as an Efficient Sorbent for Food-Derived Peanut Allergens

“…On this basis, research has expanded on PCT. It is now known that purified clinoptilolite-tuff can render harmful toxins harmless by binding them, thereby preventing uptake into the (human) body [ 18 , 19 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. Another documented quality of PCT is its ability to promote wound repair and regeneration [ 20 ].…”

“…The following health-relevant heavy metals were sorbed to PCT: nickel, cadmium, cesium, barium, thallium, and lead in vitro [ 19 ]; in addition, lead was also used in human studies [ 18 , 24 ]. Moreover, in vitro experiments demonstrated the binding of miscellaneous organic material to PCT: Clostridium difficile toxins A and B [ 25 ], gluten [ 26 ], and different coronavirus family members, including SARS-CoV-2 [ 27 ].…”