Development and Characterization of Antimicrobial Textiles from Chitosan-Based Compounds: Possible Biomaterials Against SARS-CoV-2 Viruses

Abstract

Novel antiviral cotton fabrics impregnated with different formulations based on Chitosan (CH), citric acid (CA), and Copper (Cu) were developed. CA was selected as a CH crosslinker agent and Cu salts as enhancers of the polymer antimicrobial activity. The characterization of the polymeric-inorganic formulations was assessed by using atomic absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and UV-Vis spectroscopy, as well as thermogravimetric analysis. The achieved data revealed that CuO nanoparticles were formed by means of chitosan and citric acid in the reaction media. The antiviral activity of CH-based formulations against bovine alphaherpesvirus and bovine betacoronavirus was analyzed. Cotton fabrics were impregnated with the selected formulations and the antiviral properties of such textiles were examined before and after 5 to 10 washing cycles. Herpes simplex virus type 1 was selected to analyze the antiviral activities of the functionalized cotton fabrics. The resulting impregnated textiles exhibited integrated properties of good adhesion without substantially modifying their appearance and antiviral efficacy (~ 100%), which enabling to serve as a scalable biocidal layer in protective equipment's by providing contact killing against pathogens. Thus, the results revealed a viable contribution to the design of functional-active materials based on a natural polymer such as chitosan. This proposal may be considered as a potential tool to inhibit the propagation and dissemination of enveloped viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

Chitosan‐Based Formulations Intended as Protective Spray for Mask Surfaces in Prevention of Coronavirus Dissemination

“…The resulting solution was maintaining under magnetic stirring during 1 h at room temperature. According to previous reports in open literature these pathways enables the in situ formation of Ag and CuO nanoparticles [21] …”

“…In our previous report Cu salts were selected as enhancers of antimicrobial activity [21] . Copper is known for its antimicrobial property, and also proven to be capable of inactivating SARS‐CoV‐2 [6] .…”

“…According to previous reports in open literature these pathways enables the in situ formation of Ag and CuO nanoparticles. [21] After these procedures the concentrated formulation was obtained and an extra step of dilution was implemented to improve its spray ability, by adding distilled water in a relation 2 : 1 with respect to the concentrated formulation.…”

Effect of Cu Modified Textile Structures on Antibacterial and Antiviral Protection

“…Material containing copper has not been tested for antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, Favatela and co-workers tested antiviral cotton fabrics impregnated with different formulations based on chitosan, citric acid, and copper against HSV-1 and bovine betacoronavirus (BCoV), and found good antiviral activity against HSV-1 and BCoV [ 61 ].…”

Nanoscale Technologies in the Fight against COVID-19: From Innovative Nanomaterials to Computer-Aided Discovery of Potential Antiviral Plant-Derived Drugs

“…These filters are able to trap and kill both bacteria and virus, representing an interesting composite for the protection of several kinds of medical equipment. Favatela et al have prepared hydrogel formulations by employing the citric acid and copper salts as enhancers of CT action [ 161 ]. The biopolymeric-based formulations, with different content of the constituted materials, showed suitable properties for the textile impregnation, as well as antiviral action.…”