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Lethal Interactions of SARS-CoV-2 with Graphene Oxide: Implications for COVID-19 Treatment
Masahiro Fukuda1, M Saidul Islam1,2, Ryo Shimizu3,4
1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan.
Abstract:
The rapid transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-driven infection signifies an ultimate challenge to global health, and the development of effective strategies for preventing and/or mitigating its effects are of the utmost importance. In the current study, an in-depth investigation for the understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 inactivation route using graphene oxide (GO) is presented. We focus on the antiviral effect of GO nanosheets on three SARS-CoV-2 strains: Wuhan, B.1.1.7 (U.K. variant), and P.1 (Brazilian variant). Plaque assay and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that 50 and 98% of the virus in a supernatant could be cleared following incubation with GO (100 μg/mL) for 1 and 60 min, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis and protein (spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins) decomposition evaluation confirm a two-step virus inactivation mechanism that includes (i) adsorption of the positively charged spike of SARS-CoV-2 on the negatively charged GO surface and (ii) neutralization/inactivation of the SARS-CoV-2 on the surface of GO through decomposition of the viral protein. As the interaction of S protein with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is required for SARS-CoV-2 to enter into human cells, the damage to the S protein using GO makes it a potential candidate for use in contributing to the inhibition of the worldwide spread of SARS-CoV-2. Specifically, our findings provide the potential for the construction of an effective anti-SARS-CoV-2 face mask using a GO nanosheet, which could contribute greatly to preventing the spread of the virus. In addition, as the effect of surface contamination can be severe in the spreading of SARS-CoV-2, the development of efficient anti-SARS-CoV-2 protective surfaces/coatings based on GO nanosheets could play a significant role in controlling the spread of the virus through the utilization of GO-based nonwoven cloths, filters, and so on.
Insights
Graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets rapidly inactivate SARS-CoV-2 by damaging viral proteins. This discovery offers potential for GO-based face masks and protective coatings to combat the spread of the virus.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Virology
Background:
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission poses a global health challenge.
- Effective prevention and mitigation strategies are crucial for controlling viral spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the SARS-CoV-2 inactivation mechanism using graphene oxide (GO).
- To evaluate the antiviral efficacy of GO nanosheets against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Main Methods:
- Plaque assay and RT-PCR to quantify viral clearance.
- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for structural analysis.
- Protein decomposition evaluation of viral spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins.
Main Results:
- GO (100 μg/mL) achieved 50% and 98% SARS-CoV-2 clearance in 1 and 60 minutes, respectively.
- A two-step inactivation mechanism involving viral adsorption and protein decomposition was confirmed.
- Damage to the S protein, essential for cell entry, was observed.
Conclusions:
- Graphene oxide demonstrates significant antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 strains.
- GO nanosheets show potential for developing anti-SARS-CoV-2 face masks and protective coatings.
- GO-based materials could play a role in controlling virus transmission via surface contamination.
