Nanoceutical Fabric Prevents COVID-19 Spread through Expelled Respiratory Droplets: A Combined Computational, Spectroscopic and Anti-microbial Study

Abstract

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns the use of one-way valves or vents in free masks for potential threat of spreading COVID-19 through expelled respiratory droplets. Here, we have developed a nanoceutical cotton fabric duly sensitized with non-toxic zinc oxide nanomaterial for potential use as membrane filter in the one way valve for the ease of breathing without the threat of COVID-19 spreading. A detailed computational study revealed that zinc oxide nanoflowers (ZnO NF) with almost two-dimensional petals trap SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, responsible to attach to ACE-2 receptors in human lung epithelial cells. The study also confirm significant denaturation of the spike proteins on the ZnO surface, revealing removal of virus upon efficient trapping. Following the computational study, we have synthesized ZnO NF on cotton matrix using hydrothermal assisted strategy. Electron microscopic, steady-state and picosecond resolved spectroscopic studies confirm attachment of ZnO NF to the cotton (i.e., cellulose) matrix at atomic level to develop the nanoceutical fabric. A detailed antimicrobial assay using Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria (model SARS-CoV-2 mimic) reveals excellent anti-microbial efficiency of the developed nanoceutical fabric. To our understanding the novel nanoceutical fabric used in one-way valve of a face mask would be the choice to assure breathing comfort along with source control of COVID-19 infection. The developed nanosensitized cloth can also be used as antibacterial/anti CoV-2 washable dress material in general.

Nanomedicine: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach to COVID-19

“…PPE, patient gowns, scrubs, white coats and commonly contacted surfaces could be coated with a mixture of nanoparticles to protect healthy and infected individuals. Cotton fabrics can be enriched with zinc oxide nanoflowers to trap and denature SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (177). Additionally, enhancing conventional hand sanitizers and upgrading air filter systems with antimicrobial nanoparticles could be useful for disinfection and containment of SARS-CoV-2 spread.…”