Antiviral capacity of polypropylene/(1‐Hexadecyl) trimethyl‐ammonium bromide composites against COVID‐19

Abstract

During the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic, scientists from different areas are looking for alternatives to fight it. SARS‐CoV‐2, the cause of the infectious respiratory disease COVID‐19, is mainly transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected respiratory droplets. The integrity of the virus structure is crucial for its viability to attack human cells. Quaternary ammonium salts are characterized by having antiviral capabilities which alter or destroy the structure of the viral capsid. In this work, polypropylene (PP)/(1‐Hexadecyl) trimethyl‐ammonium bromide (CTAB) composites have been prepared in order to create an antiviral material. The composites were melt processed and blown to produce thin films. The CTAB content on the antiviral effect was evaluated using antibodies and serum from infected patients with the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. In addition, the mechanical and thermal properties of blown films were investigated, and CTAB release kinetics from the films was followed by UV–Vis. The results indicate that the virus tends to remain less on the polymer surface by increasing the amount of CTAB in the PP matrix.

Production of a thermoplastic polyurethane/silver nanoparticles 3D filament with antiviral properties to combat SARS‐CoV‐2

“…AgNPs possess a solid affinity for bacterial cell surfaces and can penetrate microbial bodies, eventually converting to silver ions (Ag + ) within the cytoplasm to disrupt intracellular structures 33–35 . Many other studies can be found on literature regarding the antiviral capacity against COVID‐19 36–40 …”

“…[33][34][35] Many other studies can be found on literature regarding the antiviral capacity against COVID-19. [36][37][38][39][40]…”

The Rise of Electroactive Materials in Face Masks for Preventing Virus Infections

“…Currently, natural virus inhibitors, − metals/metal oxides/particles or ions, − metal–organic frameworks, − small organic molecules, − salts, − and carbon-based materials − have been added to air filters to inactivate viruses or bacteria retained by filtration. In addition, researchers have systematically reviewed the current development of antiviral masks in terms of effectiveness, importance, preparation process, testing, and characterization, environmental impact, and development trend .…”

Antimicrobial plastic films against SARS‐COV‐2 and pathogenic bacteria

“…Other studies showed that bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are also able to survive on thermoplastic substrates 18 . Therefore, the incorporation of antimicrobial agents into polymeric materials can enhance their performance in preventing bacteria or viruses from surviving or proliferating on surfaces 19–23 …”

“…18 Therefore, the incorporation of antimicrobial agents into polymeric materials can enhance their performance in preventing bacteria or viruses from surviving or proliferating on surfaces. [19][20][21][22][23] Among the possible antimicrobial agents, some essential oils based on cinnamon, clove, thyme, oregano, eucalyptus, copaiba, green tea, rosemary pepper, among others can be mentioned. These agents have known antimicrobial substances, such as thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, β-caryophyllene, cinnamaldehyde, and so on.…”