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Layer-By-Layer Nanocoating of Antiviral Polysaccharides on Surfaces to Prevent Coronavirus Infections

Daniel P Otto1, Melgardt M de Villiers2

  • 1Research Focus Area for Chemical Resource Beneficiation, Laboratory for Analytical Services, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa.

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 1, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Antiviral polysaccharides offer a novel approach to combat SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. This green chemistry method uses nanocoatings on surfaces for passive virus prevention, complementing existing interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Biochemistry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to significant global mortality.
  • Existing strategies include vaccine development, antiviral drugs, and non-pharmaceutical interventions like social distancing and mask-wearing.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned that SARS-CoV-2 may not be fully eradicated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential of antiviral polysaccharides as a therapeutic strategy against coronaviruses.
  • To investigate a layer-by-layer nanocoating approach for surface passivation against SARS-CoV-2.
  • To present a "eradicate-in-place" measure for passive virus prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing antiviral polysaccharides for pharmacotherapeutic applications.
  • Developing a layer-by-layer nanocoating technique to apply polysaccharides onto surfaces.
  • Testing the efficacy of coated materials (masks, clothing, work surfaces) in preventing coronavirus spread.

Main Results:

  • Antiviral polysaccharides demonstrate potential for combating SARS-CoV-2.
  • Nanocoating surfaces with these polysaccharides offers a method for passive virus prevention.
  • This approach aligns with green chemistry principles, utilizing biocompatible and biodegradable materials.

Conclusions:

  • Antiviral polysaccharides, applied via nanocoating, represent a promising "eradicate-in-place" strategy against coronaviruses.
  • This method offers a sustainable and effective complementary measure to current COVID-19 control efforts.
  • Surface passivation with antiviral polysaccharides could significantly reduce coronavirus transmission.
Keywords:
antiviral polysaccharidegreen chemistrylayer-by-layer nanocoatingprotective maskswork surfaces

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