Towards antiviral polymer composites to combat COVID‐19 transmission

Abstract

Polymer matrix composite materials have the capacity to aid the indirect transmission of viral diseases. Published research shows that respiratory viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2 or COVID‐19), can attach to polymer substrata as a result of being contacted by airborne droplets resulting from infected people sneezing or coughing in close proximity. Polymer matrix composites are used to produce a wide range of products that are “high‐touch” surfaces, such as sporting goods, laptop computers and household fittings, and these surfaces can be readily contaminated by pathogens. This article reviews published research on the retention of SARS‐CoV‐2 and other virus types on plastics. The factors controlling the viral retention time on plastic surfaces are examined and the implications for viral retention on polymer composite materials are discussed. Potential strategies that can be used to impart antiviral properties to polymer composite surfaces are evaluated. These strategies include modification of the surface composition with biocidal agents (e.g., antiviral polymers and nanoparticles) and surface nanotexturing. The potential application of these surface modification strategies in the creation of antiviral polymer composite surfaces is discussed, which opens up an exciting new field of research for composite materials.

Electrostatic Spray Disinfection Using Nano-Engineered Solution on Frequently Touched Surfaces in Indoor and Outdoor Environments

“…The virucidal and biocidal properties of metals like copper and silver are well documented [ 20 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 ]. Mouritz et al [ 71 ] discusses how polymer matrix composite materials can aid the attachment of respiratory viruses to the polymer substrata and retain it when in contact with infected people sneezing or coughing in close proximity. They show that SARS-CoV-1 has been found to be retained on plastic surfaces for 3–4 days, although some existing data suggest that viral persistence on plastic can be as high as 28 days.…”

Could Nanotechnology Help to End the Fight Against COVID-19? Review of Current Findings, Challenges and Future Perspectives

“…International Journal of Nanomedicine 2021:16 5728 with intrinsically pathogen-resistant nanomaterials, metallic surface coatings, and nanotexturing. 192 Various metal and metal oxide NPs such as AuNPs, AgNPs, ZnONPs, CuONPs, SiONPs, nanosized copper (I) iodide NPs (CuINPs), and quaternary ammonium cations commonly (QUATs) are capable of inactivating virus from surfaces. 9 Metallic NP-based disinfectants have interesting features in terms of fabrication process and cost, safety and toxicity, life-span, antiviral activity, eco-friendliness, nonirritating, and nonfoaming properties to protect the pandemic viral transmission.…”

Macromolecular Viral Entry Inhibitors as Broad‐Spectrum First‐Line Antivirals with Activity against SARS‐CoV‐2

“…[8,9] For an exhaustive, inclusive coverage of the subject we refer to a suite of excellent reviews that appeared in the literature in recent months. [10][11][12][13][14][15] Specifically, with regards to SARS-CoV-2, the past several months documented important evidence of the activity of polymeric antivirals on this virus, which include an observation of rapid virus inactivation by an anionic polymer, toward the design of disinfecting surfaces. [16] SARS-CoV-2 was also effectively inhibited by the cationic chitosan derivative [17] and conjugated polymers, [18] cationic or anionic, which exhibited light-induced antiviral activity.…”

“…[ 8,9 ] For an exhaustive, inclusive coverage of the subject we refer to a suite of excellent reviews that appeared in the literature in recent months. [ 10–15 ]…”