Graphene nanoplatelet and graphene oxide functionalization of face mask materials inhibits infectivity of trapped SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Recent advancements in bidimensional nanoparticles production such as Graphene (G) and Graphene oxide (GO) have the potential to meet the need for highly functional personal protective equipment (PPE) against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The ability of G and GO to interact with microorganisms provides an opportunity to develop engineered textiles for use in PPE and limit the spread of COVID-19. PPE in current use in high-risk settings for COVID transmission provide only a physical barrier that decreases infection likelihood and does not inactivate the virus. Here, we show that virus pre-incubation with soluble GO inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection of VERO cells. Furthermore, when G/GO functionalized polyurethane or cotton were in contact SARS-CoV-2, the infectivity of the fabric was nearly completely inhibited. The findings presented here constitute an important innovative nanomaterial-based strategy to significantly increase PPE efficacy in protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that may implement water filtration, air purification, and diagnostics methods.

Advances in Nanomaterial-Based Platforms to Combat COVID-19: Diagnostics, Preventions, Therapeutics, and Vaccine Developments

“… 73 Maio et al showed that G/GO-functionalized polyurethane or cotton can reduce the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 by nearly 97 to 99%. 90 These NPs-based virus trapping methods can also apply to water filtration, air purification technology, etc.…”

Recent breakthroughs in nanostructured antiviral coating and filtration materials: a brief review

“…Both G and GO show excellent antiviral activities against SARS-CoV-2. 71 After 30 minutes of contact, Das Jana et al found that copper oxide (Cu 2 O) NPs in a composite with G sheets inhibited the influenza A virus. 72 Cu 2 O/G disrupts the structural integrity of the viral envelope and the hemoagglutinin protein to impact the ability of the virus particles to enter the host cells and consequently prevents viral replication and infection.…”

Review on benefits, toxicity, challenges, and future of graphene-based face masks in the prevention of COVID-19 pandemic

“…Furthermore, graphene face masks minimize the use of non-biodegradable materials, thereby ensuring a clean and pollution-free environment. The free electrons of graphene nanoparticles are used to trap positively charged bacteria and viruses in face masks (De Maio et al, 2021;Seifi & Reza Kamali, 2021). Their high electrical conductivity and the flow of electrons from graphene-based materials cause oxidative stress in bacteria and viruses.…”