Bioactive Ag₃PO₄/Polypropylene Composites for Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Important Public Health Pathogens

Area of Science:

• Materials Science and Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Antimicrobial Materials

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates advanced materials for inactivation of SARS-CoV-2.
• Existing materials often lack long-term efficacy or broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To manufacture and characterize Ag3PO4 (AP)/polypropylene (PP) composites.
• To evaluate the long-term anti-SARS-CoV-2 and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of AP/PP composites.

Main Methods:

• Simple composite manufacturing technique.
• Characterization using XRD, Raman, FTIR, AFM, UV-vis, rheology, SEM, and contact angle.
• First-principles calculations (density functional theory) to elucidate reaction mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of AP/PP composites with confirmed structural integrity.
• Demonstrated superior antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
• Showcased significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans.
• Proposed a reaction mechanism for radical generation on the AP (110) surface.

Conclusions:

• AP/PP composites exhibit potent and long-lasting antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
• These materials hold potential for diverse technological applications requiring biocide activity.
• The study provides a pathway for developing effective antimicrobial surfaces.