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PMMA Microcapsules for the Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2.
Vânia I Sousa1, Joana F Parente1, Juliana F Marques1,2
1Centre of Physics of the Universities of Minho and Porto (CF-UM-PT), University of Minho, Campus of Azurém, 4835-386 Guimarães, Portugal.
ACS Omega
|July 5, 2022
Summary
New poly(methyl methacrylate) microcapsules loaded with hydrogen peroxide offer continuous surface disinfection. These microcapsules effectively eliminate over 97% of SARS-CoV-2, addressing the limitations of current rapid-evaporation disinfectants.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Virology
Background:
- Current surface disinfectants for SARS-CoV-2 have high evaporation rates and short-lived effects, necessitating frequent reapplication.
- There is a need for disinfection technologies offering prolonged efficacy and reduced application frequency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microcapsules containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for enhanced surface disinfection against SARS-CoV-2.
- To assess the antiviral efficacy and stability of PMMA-H2O2 microcapsules functionalized onto nonwoven fabrics.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of PMMA microcapsules encapsulating hydrogen peroxide.
- Functionalization of nonwoven fabrics with PMMA-H2O2 microcapsules.
- Characterization using scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis.
- Antiviral activity testing using reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to quantify SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid degradation.
Main Results:
- PMMA-H2O2 microcapsules exhibited a spherical shape, smooth structure, and low porosity.
- Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed high thermal stability and enhanced H2O2 stability.
- Functionalized nonwoven fabrics achieved >97% elimination of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid within 1 hour of exposure.
- The microcapsules demonstrated stability and efficacy for up to three weeks.
Conclusions:
- PMMA microcapsules effectively encapsulate and stabilize hydrogen peroxide.
- The functionalized nonwoven fabric provides a stable and highly efficient surface for continuous SARS-CoV-2 elimination.
- This microcapsule system presents a promising solution for improved surface disinfection strategies against coronaviruses.
