Tannic acid-functionalized HEPA filter materials for influenza virus capture

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Public Health

Background:

• Influenza virus is primarily transmitted via aerosols, necessitating effective filtration.
• Current filters struggle with capturing submicron particles, driving demand for enhanced virus-capture materials.
• Functionalizing filters with virus-binding molecules is a promising strategy for improved protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate tannic acid-functionalized high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter materials for influenza virus capture.
• To assess the efficiency of these novel filters in preventing the spread of pathogenic viruses.

Main Methods:

• Polypropylene HEPA filter fabrics were coated with tannic acid (TA) using a simple dipping and washing process.
• The virus capture efficiency of the TA-functionalized HEPA filter (TA-HF) was measured in solution.

Main Results:

• The TA-HF demonstrated a high in-solution virus capture efficiency of up to 2,723 plaque-forming units (pfu)/mm² within 10 minutes.
• This efficiency is nearly two orders of magnitude greater than that of non-functionalized filters.
• Tannic acid served as a cost-efficient adhesive for filter functionalization.

Conclusions:

• TA-functionalized HEPA filters are highly effective at capturing influenza viruses.
• These filters represent a potent advancement for protective equipment to mitigate the spread of airborne viral pathogens.