SnO₂NPs as a Nontoxic Antiviral Agent for Designing Protective Masks against Human Coronavirus Infection

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for effective antiviral textiles, particularly face masks, to combat SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
• Functionalization of textiles with antiviral agents is a key challenge in developing protective materials.
• Existing antiviral textile solutions require further development for broad application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce tin oxide nanoparticles (SnO2NPs) as a novel antiviral agent for textile functionalization.
• To evaluate the efficacy of SnO2NPs against human coronavirus HCoV 229E and bacteria.
• To assess the performance and safety of SnO2NP-functionalized silk fibroin face masks.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of 3 nm cubic SnO2NPs via sodium stannate hydrolysis.
• Functionalization of silk fibroin fabric using polydopamine to immobilize SnO2NPs.
• Antiviral and antibacterial testing against HCoV 229E and Gram-positive/negative bacteria.
• Evaluation of mask filtration efficiency, breathing resistance, and skin compatibility.

Main Results:

• SnO2NPs demonstrated efficient antiviral activity by blocking HCoV 229E entry, attachment, and penetration into cells.
• The functionalized silk mask exhibited significant antiviral and antibacterial properties.
• The material showed no toxicity, maintained silk fibroin structure, and offered high wear comfort.
• Achieved 60% filtration efficiency for a 3-layered mask and FFP3-level breathing resistance for a 1-layered mask.

Conclusions:

• SnO2NPs are a promising, non-toxic antiviral agent for functionalizing textiles.
• Silk fibroin masks functionalized with SnO2NPs offer effective protection against viral and bacterial pathogens.
• These advanced antiviral textile materials hold potential for controlling virus spread during pandemics.