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Transparent Polymeric Formulations Effective against SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Valentina Gentili1, Daniele Pazzi1, Sabrina Rizzo1
1Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44100, Italy.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|November 9, 2021
Summary
New transparent polymer coatings with silver and benzalkonium ions show strong antibacterial and SARS-CoV-2 antiviral activity. These coatings effectively inhibit bacteria, fungi, and coronaviruses, offering durable surface protection against infections.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) spreads through aerosols, droplets, and contaminated surfaces.
- Antimicrobial polymers offer a promising alternative to conventional biocides for surface disinfection.
- Developing effective and transparent antiviral coatings is crucial for public health and infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and evaluate transparent polymeric compounds for antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
- To assess the efficacy of these polymers against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, Candida albicans, and coronaviruses (229E and SARS-CoV-2).
- To determine the potential of these formulations as durable, transparent surface coatings.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of two transparent polymeric compounds with electrostatically bound silver and benzalkonium ions on a polystyrene sulfonate backbone.
- Antimicrobial testing against bacteria and Candida albicans according to ISO EN 1276 standards.
- Antiviral activity evaluation against 229E and SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses using ISO UNI EN 14476:2019 standards and EMA guidelines.
Main Results:
- The synthesized polymers demonstrated significant inhibition of Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and Candida albicans growth (1.5-5.5 × 10^11 CFU).
- Both formulations exhibited potent antiviral activity against 229E and SARS-CoV-2, achieving a >5-logarithm reduction within 5 minutes contact time.
- A virucidal effect was observed from 24 to 72 hours post-infection, exceeding the European Medicines Agency's 4-logarithm reduction requirement.
Conclusions:
- The developed transparent polymeric compounds possess strong, long-lasting antibacterial and SARS-CoV-2 antiviral properties.
- These formulations are ideal candidates for creating transparent surface coatings with sustained antimicrobial and antiviral efficacy.
- The study highlights a novel approach for developing advanced materials for infection prevention on surfaces.
