The Entrapment and Concentration of SARS-CoV-2 Particles with Graphene Oxide: An In Vitro Assay

Abstract

Previous studies have suggested that graphene oxide (GO) has some antiviral capacity against some enveloped viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Given this background, we wanted to test the in vitro antiviral ability to GO using the viral plaque assay technique. Two-dimensional graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles were synthesized using the modified Hummers method, varying the oxidation conditions to achieve nanoparticles between 390 and 718 nm. The antiviral activity of GO was evaluated by experimental infection and plaque formation units assay of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in VERO cells using a titrated viral clinical isolate. It was found that GO at concentrations of 400 µg/mL, 100 µg/mL, 40 µg/mL, and 4 µg/mL was not toxic to cell culture and also did not inhibit the infection of VERO cells by SARS-CoV-2. However, it was evident that GO generated a novel virus entrapment phenomenon directly proportional to its concentration in the suspension. Similarly, this effect of GO was maintained in assays performed with the Zika virus. A new application for GO nanoparticles is proposed as part of a system to trap viruses in surgical mask filters, air conditioning equipment filters, and air purifier filters, complemented with the use of viricidal agents that can destroy the trapped viruses, an application of broad interest for human beings.