Antimicrobial Nanomaterials and Coatings: Current Mechanisms and Future Perspectives to Control the Spread of Viruses Including SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

The global COVID-19 pandemic has attracted considerable attention toward innovative methods and technologies for suppressing the spread of viruses. Transmission via contaminated surfaces has been recognized as an important route for spreading SARS-CoV-2. Although significant efforts have been made to develop antibacterial surface coatings, the literature remains scarce for a systematic study on broad-range antiviral coatings. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the antiviral materials and coatings that could be implemented for suppressing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 via contaminated surfaces. We discuss the mechanism of operation and effectivity of several types of inorganic and organic materials, in the bulk and nanomaterial form, and assess the possibility of implementing these as antiviral coatings. Toxicity and environmental concerns are also discussed for the presented approaches. Finally, we present future perspectives with regards to emerging antimicrobial technologies such as omniphobic surfaces and assess their potential in suppressing surface-mediated virus transfer. Although some of these emerging technologies have not yet been tested directly as antiviral coatings, they hold great potential for designing the next generation of antiviral surfaces.

Antimicrobial TiO2 nanocomposite coatings for surfaces, dental and orthopaedic implants

“…Commercialization [23] : Kastus®, GermstopSQ, Green Millennium, NanoSeptic, Berger Elegance, GERM ARMOR®, TiTANO®, TitanoClean®, DrivePur, PureTi, PALCCOAT, TOTO, Pilkington SaniTise™, and airlite are the approved photocatalytic products or coatings in the market for antimicrobial applications. Further developments on photocatalysis or similar eco-friendly techniques could reduce the risk of another ‘apocalyptic threat’ by the spread of pathogens.…”

“…and organic (such as polyethylenimine, porphyrin, quaternary ammonium compounds, C 60 , etc. ) coatings to prevent the spread of viral infections through contaminated surfaces [23] . Nevertheless, the bare metal or polymer coatings could fail to deliver long-term antimicrobial efficiency and could be easily corroded under certain circumstances [14] , [24] , [25] , [26] .…”

“…There are no comprehensive reviews on the applications of TiO 2 nanocomposite photocatalytic coatings for antimicrobial applications. Coatings of TiO 2 with active inorganic metals /organic polymers /2D materials could demonstrate the maximum microbial disinfection efficacy compared to bare metals or TiO 2 [23] . This review focuses on the application of various TiO 2 nanocomposite antimicrobial coatings for surfaces and medical (dental and orthopaedic) implants.…”

Trends in the Antiviral Chemical Activity of Material Surfaces Associated With the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak

“…To summarize, other methods have also proved themselves efficient in providing antiviral coatings, such as the vapor deposition method (Krumdieck et al, 2019) and the physical absorption (painting) (Behzadinasab et al, 2020). Even more techniques can be found in the review of Imani et al (2020). A recent coating developed to reduce the longevity of the novel SARS-CoV-2 on solids was reported by Behzadinasab et al (2020).…”

Graphene oxide/silver nanoparticle ink formulations rapidly inhibit influenza A virus and OC43 coronavirus infectionin vitro

“…These viruses range from those that circulate seasonally, such as the seasonal influenza viruses, and those that represent novel introductions into the population with pandemic potential, as experienced with the novel 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus lineage and the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the viral agent of COVID-19 disease 2–5 . While there is much focus on and an urgent need for the development of targeted therapeutics and vaccines for these illnesses, there is equal necessity to develop more novel, broad-spectrum antiviral compounds 6–12 . Such materials could be used to decontaminate surfaces or augment air filtration systems and personal protective equipment (PPE).…”