Colloidal ZnAl-Layered Double Hydroxide Nanomaterials for Effective Prevention of SARS-CoV-2

SARS-CoV-2 is a threat to global public health, which requires the development of safe measures to reduce the spread of this coronavirus. Herein, in this study, we prepared and examined potential antiviral agents based on ZnAl-layered double hydroxide (ZnAl-LDH) materials. ZnAl-LDH-based samples were synthesized via a one-pot low-temperature coprecipitation method, which features an ultrathin structure. The incorporation of trace amounts of Ag induces the formation of ZnO particles on the ZnAl-LDH surface, where both ZnO and Ag enhance UV light absorption. Interestingly, ZnAl-LDH-Ag shows a significantly high anticoronavirus effect upon exposure to the daylight lamp of the operation console and ultraviolet light. Moreover, ZnAl-LDH and ZnAl-LDH-Ag potently blocked the entry of SARS-CoV-2 pseudoparticles to cells. The in vivo biocompatibility experiment has demonstrated that ZnAl-LDH-Ag is a potentially biocompatible and potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent for virus prevention. The synergistic interactions between these nanoparticles continuously generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to effective and sustained viral inactivation. This light-sensitive ROS production introduces a photocatalytic inactivation mechanism in antiviral materials. Moreover, unlike conventional antiviral agents that rapidly deplete their active components, the layered structure of this composite enables the controlled long-term release of antiviral radicals, enhancing its durability. ZnAl-LDH-Ag has been expected to be a promising solution for long-lasting antiviral applications.