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Updated: Aug 12, 2025
Engineering Antiviral Agents via Surface Plasmon Resonance
Published on: June 14, 2022
Antiviral capacity of polypropylene/(1-Hexadecyl) trimethyl-ammonium bromide composites against COVID-19
Cynthia Guerrero-Bermea1, Nayeli Rodríguez Fuentes2, José Manuel Cervantes-Uc1
1Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, A.C. Unidad de Materiales Mérida Mexico.
Abstract:
During the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, scientists from different areas are looking for alternatives to fight it. SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the infectious respiratory disease COVID-19, is mainly transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected respiratory droplets. The integrity of the virus structure is crucial for its viability to attack human cells. Quaternary ammonium salts are characterized by having antiviral capabilities which alter or destroy the structure of the viral capsid. In this work, polypropylene (PP)/(1-Hexadecyl) trimethyl-ammonium bromide (CTAB) composites have been prepared in order to create an antiviral material. The composites were melt processed and blown to produce thin films. The CTAB content on the antiviral effect was evaluated using antibodies and serum from infected patients with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In addition, the mechanical and thermal properties of blown films were investigated, and CTAB release kinetics from the films was followed by UV-Vis. The results indicate that the virus tends to remain less on the polymer surface by increasing the amount of CTAB in the PP matrix.
Insights
Scientists developed polypropylene composites with quaternary ammonium salts to create antiviral materials. Increasing CTAB content in PP films reduced SARS-CoV-2 virus adhesion, indicating potential for novel antiviral surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- virology
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic highlighted the need for effective antiviral strategies.
- Quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) are known for their ability to disrupt viral structures, including the viral capsid, which is essential for infectivity.
- Polypropylene (PP) is a widely used polymer, and its modification with QAS could yield novel antiviral materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize polypropylene (PP)/ (1-Hexadecyl) trimethyl-ammonium bromide (CTAB) composites as potential antiviral materials.
- To evaluate the antiviral efficacy of these composites against SARS-CoV-2.
- To investigate the impact of CTAB incorporation on the material's properties and virus-surface interactions.
Main Methods:
- PP/CTAB composites were prepared using melt processing and subsequently blown into thin films.
- Antiviral activity was assessed using antibodies and serum from SARS-CoV-2 infected patients.
- Mechanical and thermal properties of the films were analyzed.
- CTAB release kinetics were monitored using UV-Vis spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- The incorporation of CTAB into the PP matrix was successfully achieved.
- Increasing CTAB content in the PP films led to a reduction in SARS-CoV-2 virus adhesion to the polymer surface.
- The study characterized the mechanical, thermal, and release properties of the developed films.
Conclusions:
- PP/CTAB composites demonstrate potential as antiviral materials by reducing virus adhesion.
- The concentration of CTAB is a critical factor in achieving the desired antiviral effect.
- These findings suggest a promising approach for developing surfaces with reduced SARS-CoV-2 viability.
