SARS-CoV-2 removal with a polyurethane foam composite.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Engineering
• Virology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the critical need for effective pathogen removal strategies.
• Basic sanitation and addressing social inequalities are vital for preventing disease outbreaks.
• Efficient techniques and materials are required to remove emerging pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 from water sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cost-effective polyurethane (PU) biofoam incorporated with dregs waste for SARS-CoV-2 removal.
• To evaluate the efficacy of the developed biofoam in eliminating SARS-CoV-2 from aqueous suspensions.
• To compare the performance of the PU biofoam with dregs against conventional adsorbents.

Main Methods:

• A polyurethane biofoam was synthesized using the free expansion method with 5wt% dregs waste.
• Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 viral suspensions were incubated with the biofoam, isolated dregs, and control materials for 24 hours.
• Viral RNA was extracted, and viral load was quantified using quantitative reverse transcription (RT-qPCR).

Main Results:

• The polyurethane/dregs biofoam achieved a SARS-CoV-2 removal percentage of 91.55%.
• Isolated dregs waste showed 99.03% removal, while commercial activated carbon reached 99.64%.
• Neat PU foam demonstrated 99.96% removal, with no statistically significant difference observed among the high-performing materials.

Conclusions:

• The developed polyurethane biofoam with dregs waste is a promising low-cost material for SARS-CoV-2 removal.
• This biofoam offers an effective alternative to conventional adsorbents for water purification.
• The study highlights the potential of industrial waste valorization in environmental remediation and public health.