Application of Copper Iodide Nanoparticle-Doped Film and Fabric To Inactivate SARS-CoV-2 via the Virucidal Activity of Cuprous Ions (Cu+)

Antimicrobial activity and applications in PMMA of a novel benzpyrole derivant/iodocuprate hybrid (TMBI)2(Cu2I4)

Among individuals who wear removable dentures, there is a significant likelihood, reaching up to 70 %, of experiencing a condition known as denture-induced stomatitis. To address this issue, a commonly used method involves soaking dentures in denture cleansers to eliminate microorganisms. However, the prolonged use of this cleaning method has resulted in the emergence of drug resistance. Composite antibacterial nanomaterials possess excellent chemical, physical, and antibacterial properties, not only allowing the individual components to function but sometimes also leading to synergistic effects that enhance antibacterial performance. In this study, we have successfully synthesized a new benzpyrole derivant/iodocuprate bio-nanomaterial, (TMBI)2(Cu2I4) (TMBI = 1,1,2,3-Tetramethyl-1H-benzo[e]indolium cation), that demonstrates remarkable resistance to Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, and dental plaque biofilm.It can effectively clean the surfaces of denture bases by removing Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, and dental plaque biofilm. Prolonged immersion in this material does not significantly affect the common mechanical properties of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture bases. At effective antibacterial concentrations, this nanomaterial (TMBI)2(Cu2I4) demonstrates no residual cytotoxicity on PMMA denture bases after immersion and maintains excellent hemocompatibility. These findings indicate that (TMBI)2(Cu2I4) has the potential to be a promising denture cleanser.

Confined Layer Slip Process in Nanolaminated Ag and Two Ag/Cu Nanolaminates

The exceptional strength of nanolaminates is attributed to the influence of their fine stratification on the movement of dislocations. Through atomistic simulations, the impact of interfacial structure on the dynamics of an edge dislocation, which is compelled to move within a nanoscale layer of a nanolaminate, is examined for three different nanolaminates. In this study, we model confined layer slip in three structures: nanolaminated Ag and two types of Ag/Cu nanolaminates. We find that the glide motion is jerky in the presence of incoherent interfaces characterized by distinct arrays of misfit dislocations. In addition, the glide planes exhibit varying levels of resistance to dislocation motion, where planes with intersection lines that coincide with misfit dislocation lines experience greater resistance than planes without such intersection lines.

Selenium nanoparticles incorporated in nanofibers media eliminate H1N1 activity: a novel approach for virucidal antiviral and antibacterial respiratory mask

The consecutive viral infectious outbreaks impose severe complications on public health besides the economic burden which led to great interest in antiviral personal protective equipment (PPE). Nanofiber-based respiratory mask has been introduced as a significant barrier to eliminate the airborne transmission from aerosols toward reduction the viral infection spreading. Herein, selenium nanoparticles incorporated in polyamide 6 nanofibers coated on spunbond nonwoven were synthesized via electrospinning technique (PA6@SeNPs), with an average diameter of 180 ± 2 nm. The nanofiber-coated media were tested for 0.3 μm particulate filtration efficiency based on Standard NIOSH (42 CFR 84). PA6@SeNPs had a pressure drop of 45 ± 2 Pa and particulate filtration efficiency of more than 97.33 which is comparable to the N95 respiratory mask. The bacterial killing efficiency of these nanofibers was 91.25% and 16.67% against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), respectively. Furthermore, the virucidal antiviral test for H1N1 infected Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cells (MDCK) exhibited TCID50 of 108.13, 105.88, and 105.5 for 2, 10, and 120 min of exposure times in comparison with 108.5, 107.5, and 106.5 in PA6 nanofibers as control sample. MTT assay indicated excellent biocompatibility of electrospun PA6@SeNP nanofibers on L292 cells. These results propose the PA6@SeNP nanofibers have a high potential to be used as an efficient layer in respiratory masks for protection against respiratory pathogens.

Antimicrobial activity of silver-copper coating against aerosols containing surrogate respiratory viruses and bacteria

The transmission of bacteria and respiratory viruses through expelled saliva microdroplets and aerosols is a significant concern for healthcare workers, further highlighted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. To address this issue, the development of nanomaterials with antimicrobial properties for use as nanolayers in respiratory protection equipment, such as facemasks or respirators, has emerged as a potential solution. In this study, a silver and copper nanolayer called SakCu® was deposited on one side of a spun-bond polypropylene fabric using the magnetron sputtering technique. The antibacterial and antiviral activity of the AgCu nanolayer was evaluated against droplets falling on the material and aerosols passing through it. The effectiveness of the nanolayer was assessed by measuring viral loads of the enveloped virus SARS-CoV-2 and viability assays using respiratory surrogate viruses, including PaMx54, PaMx60, PaMx61 (ssRNA, Leviviridae), and PhiX174 (ssDNA, Microviridae) as representatives of non-enveloped viruses. Colony forming unit (CFU) determination was employed to evaluate the survival of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The results demonstrated a nearly exponential reduction in SARS-CoV-2 viral load, achieving complete viral load reduction after 24 hours of contact incubation with the AgCu nanolayer. Viability assays with the surrogate viruses showed a significant reduction in viral replication between 2-4 hours after contact. The simulated viral filtration system demonstrated inhibition of viral replication ranging from 39% to 64%. The viability assays with PhiX174 exhibited a 2-log reduction in viral replication after 24 hours of contact and a 16.31% inhibition in viral filtration assays. Bacterial growth inhibition varied depending on the species, with reductions ranging from 70% to 92% for aerobic bacteria and over 90% for anaerobic strains. In conclusion, the AgCu nanolayer displayed high bactericidal and antiviral activity in contact and aerosol conditions. Therefore, it holds the potential for incorporation into personal protective equipment to effectively reduce and prevent the transmission of aerosol-borne pathogenic bacteria and respiratory viruses.

Combined copper and zinc deficiency is associated with reduced SARS-CoV-2 immunization response to BNT162b2 vaccination

The essential trace elements copper, selenium and zinc are of relevance for immunity and immune response to vaccination. In this longitudinal study, adult healthcare workers (n = 126) received two doses of an mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2), and longitudinal serum samples were prepared. Vaccine-induced antibodies and their neutralizing activity were analyzed, and the trace elements copper, zinc, and selenium along with the copper transporter ceruloplasmin were measured. Subjects with combined deficiency of copper and zinc, i.e. both in the lowest tertiles at baseline, displayed particularly low antibody titers at three (Double Q1: 13 AU/mL vs. not double Q1: 29 AU/mL) and six (Double Q1: 200 AU/mL vs. not double Q1: 425 AU/mL) weeks after vaccination (p < 0.05). The results indicate the potential importance of an adequate trace element status of copper and zinc for raising a strong vaccine-induced SARS-CoV-2 antibody response, and highlights the importance of considering combined micronutrient insufficiencies, as single deficiencies may synergize.

Antiviral efficacy of nanomaterial-treated textiles in real-life like exposure conditions

Due to the growing interest towards reducing the number of potentially infectious agents on critical high-touch surfaces, the popularity of antimicrobially and antivirally active surfaces, including textiles, has increased. The goal of this study was to create antiviral textiles by spray-depositing three different nanomaterials, two types of CeO2 nanoparticles and quaternary ammonium surfactant CTAB loaded SiO2 nanocontainers, onto the surface of a knitted polyester textile and assess their antiviral activity against two coronaviruses, porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS CoV-2). Antiviral testing was carried out in small droplets in semi-dry conditions and in the presence of organic soiling, to mimic aerosol deposition of viruses onto the textiles. In such conditions, SARS CoV-2 stayed infectious at least for 24 h and TGEV infected cells even after 72h of semi-dry deposition suggesting that textiles exhibiting sufficient antiviral activity before or at 24 h, can be considered promising. The antiviral efficacy of nanomaterial-deposited textiles was compared with the activity of the same nanomaterials in colloidal form and with positive control textiles loaded with copper nitrate and CTAB. Our results indicated that after deposition onto the textile, CeO2 nanoparticles lost most of their antiviral activity, but antiviral efficacy of CTAB-loaded SiO2 nanocontainers was retained also after deposition. Copper nitrate deposited textile that was used as a positive control, showed relatively high antiviral activity as expected. However, as copper was effectively washed away from the textile already during 1 h, the use of copper for creating antiviral textiles would be impractical. In summary, our results indicated that antiviral activity of textiles cannot be predicted from antiviral efficacy of the deposited compounds in colloid and attention should be paid on prolonged efficacy of antivirally coated textiles.

Inhibition of Toll-like receptor 4 and Interleukin-1 receptor prevent SARS-CoV-2 mediated kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and severe complication of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) directly affects the glomerular and tubular epithelial cells to induce AKI; however, its pathophysiology remains unclear. Here, we explored the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic targets of renal involvement in COVID-19. We developed an in vitro human kidney cellular model, including immortalized tubular epithelial and endothelial cell lines, demonstrating that SARS-CoV-2 directly triggers cell death. To identify the molecular targets in the process of SARS-CoV-2-mediated cell injury, we performed transcriptional analysis using RNA sequencing. Tubular epithelial cells were more prone to dying by SARS-CoV-2 than endothelial cells; however, SARS-CoV-2 did not replicate in renal cells, distinct from VeroE6/transmembrane protease serine 2 cells. Transcriptomic analysis revealed increased inflammatory and immune-related gene expression levels in renal cells incubated with SARS-CoV-2. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3 in renal cells recognized viral RNA and underwent cell death. Furthermore, analysis of upstream regulators identified several key transcriptional regulators. Among them, inhibition of the interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) and TLR4 pathways protects tubular epithelial and endothelial cells from injury via regulation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription protein-3/nuclear factor-kB pathway. Our results reveal that SARS-CoV-2 directly injures renal cells via the proinflammatory response without viral replication, and that IL-1R and TLR4 may be used as therapeutic targets for SARS-CoV-2 mediated kidney injury.

Rapid Virucidal Activity of Japanese Saxifraga Species-Derived Condensed Tannins against SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A Virus, and Human Norovirus Surrogate Viruses

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza A virus (IAV), and norovirus are global threats to human health. The application of effective virucidal agents, which contribute to the inactivation of viruses on hands and environmental surfaces, is important to facilitate robust virus infection control measures. Naturally derived virucidal disinfectants have attracted attention owing to their safety and eco-friendly properties. In this study, we showed that multiple Japanese Saxifraga species-derived fractions demonstrated rapid, potent virucidal activity against the SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strain and multiple variant strains, IAV, and two human norovirus surrogates: feline calicivirus (FCV) and murine norovirus (MNV). Condensed tannins were identified as active chemical constituents that play a central role in the virucidal activities of these fractions. At a concentration of 25 μg/mL, the purified condensed tannin fraction Sst-2R induced significant reductions in the viral titers of the SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strain, IAV, and FCV (reductions of ≥3.13, ≥3.00, and 2.50 log₁₀ 50% tissue culture infective doses [TCID₅₀]/mL, respectively) within 10 s of reaction time. Furthermore, at a concentration of 100 μg/mL, Sst-2R induced a reduction of 1.75 log₁₀ TCID₅₀/mL in the viral titers of MNV within 1 min. Western blotting and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that Sst-2R produced structural abnormalities in viral structural proteins and envelopes, resulting in the destruction of viral particles. Furthermore, Saxifraga species-derived fraction-containing cream showed virucidal activity against multiple viruses within 10 min. Our findings indicate that Saxifraga species-derived fractions containing condensed tannins can be used as disinfectants against multiple viruses on hands and environmental surfaces. IMPORTANCE SARS-CoV-2, IAV, and norovirus are highly contagious pathogens. The use of naturally derived components as novel virucidal/antiviral agents is currently attracting attention. We showed that fractions from extracts of Saxifraga species, in the form of a solution as well as a cream, exerted potent, rapid virucidal activities against SARS-CoV-2, IAV, and surrogates of human norovirus. Condensed tannins were found to play a central role in this activity. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the purified condensed tannin fraction at a concentration that exhibited some extent of virucidal activity was lower than that of 70% ethanol or 2,000 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution, which are popular virucidal disinfectants. Our study suggests that Saxifraga species-derived fractions containing condensed tannins can be used on hands and environmental surfaces as safe virucidal agents against multiple viruses.

Lessons from the history of inorganic nanoparticles for inhalable diagnostics and therapeutics

The respiratory tract is one of the most accessible ones to exogenous nanoparticles, yet drug delivery by their means to it is made extraordinarily challenging because of the plexus of aerodynamic, hemodynamic and biomolecular factors at cellular and extracellular levels that synergistically define the safety and efficacy of this process. Here, the use of inorganic nanoparticles (INPs) for inhalable diagnostics and therapies of the lung is viewed through the prism of the history of studies on the interaction of INPs with the lower respiratory tract. The most conceptually and methodologically innovative and illuminative studies are referred to in the chronological order, as they were reported in the literature, and the trends in the progress of understanding this interaction of immense therapeutic and toxicological significance are being deduced from it. The most outstanding actual trends delineated include the diminishment of toxicity via surface functionalization, cell targeting, tagging and tracking via controlled binding and uptake, hybrid INP treatments, magnetic guidance, combined drug and gene delivery, use as adjuvants in inhalable vaccines, and other. Many of the understudied research directions, which have been accomplished by the nanostructured organic polymers in the pulmonary niche, are discussed. The progress in the use of INPs as inhalable diagnostics or therapeutics has been hampered by their well-recognized inflammatory potential and toxicity in the respiratory tract. However, the annual numbers of methodologically innovative studies have been on the rise throughout the past two decades, suggesting that this is a prolific direction of research, its comparatively poor commercial takings notwithstanding. Still, the lack of consensus on the effects of many INP compositions at low but therapeutically effective doses, the plethora of contradictory reports on ostensibly identical chemical compositions and NP properties, and the many cases of antagonism in combinatorial NP treatments imply that the rational design of inhalable medical devices based on INPs must rely on qualitative principles for the most part and embrace a partially stochastic approach as well. At the same time, the fact that the most studied INPs for pulmonary applications have been those with some of the thickest records of pulmonary toxicity, e.g., carbon, silver, gold, silica and iron oxide, is a silent call for the expansion of the search for new inorganic compositions for use in inhalable therapies to new territories.

Current Trends and Prospects for Application of Green Synthesized Metal Nanoparticles in Cancer and COVID-19 Therapies

Cancer and COVID-19 have been deemed as world health concerns due to the millions of lives that they have claimed over the years. Extensive efforts have been made to develop sophisticated, site-specific, and safe strategies that can effectively diagnose, prevent, manage, and treat these diseases. These strategies involve the implementation of metal nanoparticles and metal oxides such as gold, silver, iron oxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, and copper oxide, formulated through nanotechnology as alternative anticancer or antiviral therapeutics or drug delivery systems. This review provides a perspective on metal nanoparticles and their potential application in cancer and COVID-19 treatments. The data of published studies were critically analysed to expose the potential therapeutic relevance of green synthesized metal nanoparticles in cancer and COVID-19. Although various research reports highlight the great potential of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles as alternative nanotherapeutics, issues of nanotoxicity, complex methods of preparation, biodegradability, and clearance are lingering challenges for the successful clinical application of the NPs. Thus, future innovations include fabricating metal nanoparticles with eco-friendly materials, tailor making them with optimal therapeutics for specific disease targeting, and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of safety, therapeutic efficiency, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution.

Functional Textile Materials for Blocking COVID-19 Transmission

The outbreak of COVID-19 provided a warning sign for society worldwide: that is, we urgently need to explore effective strategies for combating unpredictable viral pandemics. Protective textiles such as surgery masks have played an important role in the mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic, while revealing serious challenges in terms of supply, cross-infection risk, and environmental pollution. In this context, textiles with an antivirus functionality have attracted increasing attention, and many innovative proposals with exciting commercial possibilities have been reported over the past three years. In this review, we illustrate the progress of textile filtration for pandemics and summarize the recent development of antiviral textiles for personal protective purposes by cataloging them into three classes: metal-based, carbon-based, and polymer-based materials. We focused on the preparation routes of emerging antiviral textiles, providing a forward-looking perspective on their opportunities and challenges, to evaluate their efficacy, scale up their manufacturing processes, and expand their high-volume applications. Based on this review, we conclude that ideal antiviral textiles are characterized by a high filtration efficiency, reliable antiviral effect, long storage life, and recyclability. The expected manufacturing processes should be economically feasible, scalable, and quickly responsive.

Application of traditional Chinese medicine in film drug delivery system

Film drug delivery systems have the advantages of precise administration, simple process and easy portability, compared with other traditional drug delivery systems such as tablets, capsules, syrups, ointments, etc. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are normally developed in four categories of film agent like patch film, coating, spray film and gel film, which are applied to the treatment of oral ulcers, chronic diseases of lower limbs, burns, scalds, gynecological disease and body care. So the TCM film has great research value and prominent market prospect. In this review, we summarized the research progress of the material composition, pharmaceutical production, clinical application and pharmacology mechanism of various TCM film agents. It may provide a comprehensive reference for further development and utilization of TCM film agents.

Virucidal PVP-Copper Salt Composites against Coronavirus Produced by Electrospinning and Electrospraying

Electrospinning technology was used to produced polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-copper salt composites with structural differences, and their virucidal activity against coronavirus was investigated. The solutions were prepared with 20, 13.3, 10, and 6.6% w/v PVP containing 3, 1.0, 0.6, and 0.2% w/v Cu (II), respectively. The rheological properties and electrical conductivity contributing to the formation of the morphologies of the composite materials were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM images revealed the formation of electrospun PVP-copper salt ultrafine composite fibers (0.80 ± 0.35 µm) and electrosprayed PVP-copper salt composite microparticles (1.50 ± 0.70 µm). Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) evidenced the incorporation of copper into the produced composite materials. IR spectra confirmed the chemical composition and showed an interaction of Cu (II) ions with oxygen in the PVP resonant ring. Virucidal composite fibers inactivated 99.999% of coronavirus within 5 min of contact time, with moderate cytotoxicity to L929 cells, whereas the virucidal composite microparticles presented with a virucidal efficiency of 99.999% within 1440 min of exposure, with low cytotoxicity to L929 cells (mouse fibroblast). This produced virucidal composite materials have the potential to be applied in respirators, personal protective equipment, self-cleaning surfaces, and to fabric coat personal protective equipment against SARS-CoV-2, viral outbreaks, or pandemics.

Disinfection and decontamination in the context of SARS-CoV-2-specific data

Given the high transmissibility of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as witnessed early in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, concerns arose with the existing methods for virus disinfection and decontamination. The need for SARS-CoV-2-specific data stimulated considerable research in this regard. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 is practically and equally susceptible to approaches for disinfection and decontamination that have been previously found for other human or animal coronaviruses. The latter have included techniques utilizing temperature modulation, pH extremes, irradiation, and chemical treatments. These physicochemical methods are a necessary adjunct to other prevention strategies, given the environmental and patient surface ubiquity of the virus. Classic studies of disinfection have also allowed for extrapolation to the eradication of the virus on human mucosal surfaces by some chemical means. Despite considerable laboratory study, practical field assessments are generally lacking and need to be encouraged to confirm the correlation of interventions with viral eradication and infection prevention. Transparency in the constitution and use of any method or chemical is also essential to furthering practical applications.

Chemical Nature of Metals and Metal-Based Materials in Inactivation of Viruses

In response to the enormous threat to human survival and development caused by the large number of viruses, it is necessary to strengthen the defense against and elimination of viruses. Metallic materials have been used against viruses for thousands of years due to their broad-spectrum antiviral properties, wide sources and excellent physicochemical properties; in particular, metal nanoparticles have advanced biomedical research. However, researchers in different fields hold dissimilar views on the antiviral mechanisms, which has slowed down the antiviral application of metal nanoparticles. As such, this review begins with an exhaustive compilation of previously published work on the antiviral capacity of metal nanoparticles and other materials. Afterwards, the discussion is centered on the antiviral mechanisms of metal nanoparticles at the biological and physicochemical levels. Emphasis is placed on the fact that the strong reducibility of metal nanoparticles may be the main reason for their efficient inactivation of viruses. We hope that this review will benefit the promotion of metal nanoparticles in the antiviral field and expedite the construction of a barrier between humans and viruses.

Aluminium Gauze Reduces SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load in Non-Woven Masks Worn by Patients with COVID-19

Background: Aluminium reduces severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) survival in experimental settings. It is unknown whether adding an aluminium gauze to a mask reduces the SARS-CoV-2 RNA load in the mask and whether SARS-CoV-2 is detectable in the breath that permeates through such a mask in clinical settings. Methods: Patients admitted to Kishiwada City Hospital, Osaka, Japan, between July 2021 and September 2021 were enrolled in the study. Non-woven masks comprising filters with 99% viral filtration efficacy and aluminium and cotton gauzes attached to plastic collection cases were developed. All participants wore the experimental mask models for three hours. Results: Twenty-nine patients who wore the final model masks were analysed in this study. The Ct values of the nucleocapsid gene and envelope gene of SARS-CoV-2 were significantly higher in the aluminium gauze than in the cotton gauze. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in the masks of 8 out of 12 vaccinated patients (66.7%). Although breath condensates were collected behind both aluminium and cotton gauzes, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in these condensates. Conclusions: Our study indicated that non-woven masks with an aluminium gauze may obstruct SARS-CoV-2 transmission in clinical settings better than non-woven masks with cotton gauzes.