Minimized virus binding for tests of barrier materials

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Virus binding to materials can skew barrier property test results.
• Optimizing challenge virus and suspending medium selection is crucial for accurate material testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate different surrogate viruses and media to minimize virus binding during material barrier testing.
• Determine optimal parameters for reliable assessment of material barrier properties against viral penetration.

Main Methods:

• Tested five surrogate viruses (MS2, phi X174, T7, PRD1, phi 6) on nitrocellulose and cationic polysulfone membranes.
• Assessed virus binding in various media including buffered saline with surfactants, serum, and culture broth.
• Determined virus elution rates from bound membranes.

Main Results:

• Phi X174 showed the lowest binding via hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions.
• Nonionic detergents Triton X-100 and Tween 80 (0.1%) effectively reduced hydrophobic binding.
• 2% serum minimized both hydrophobic and electrostatic binding, eliminating it under test conditions.

Conclusions:

• Phi X174 is the optimal surrogate virus for material barrier testing.
• Triton X-100 (0.1%) is effective for reducing hydrophobic virus binding.
• Virus binding to barrier materials is unlikely to impede blood-borne pathogen passage.