Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Differentiation of Delta and Omicron Variants of SARS-CoV-2 Carriers in Changsha,Hunan.

Objective: To summarize and compare the main traditional Chinese medicineTCMsyndromes of Delta and Omicron variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2SARS-CoV-2 carriers to provide references for the syndrome evolution and syndrome differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Method(s):The TCM medical records of imported and local cases of infection with Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 in Changsha since September 23,2021 to March 27,2022 were collected,including 18 Delta variant cases and 36 Omicron variant cases. Their TCM diagnosis information and TCM pathogenesis were analyzed and compared. Result(s): The common manifestations in Delta variant cases were cough,fever,chest distress/shortness of breath,sore muscles,nausea,dry mouth,dry or sore throat,thick and greasy tongue coating,and rapid and slippery pulse. The predominant pathogenesis was dampness-heat in the upper-energizer and heat stagnation in the lesser Yang combined with dampness. The occurrence of chest distress/shortness of breath,greasy tongue coating,slippery pulse,and the proportion of dampness-heat in the upper-energizer syndrome were higher in Delta variant cases than in Omicron variant cases P<0.05. The common manifestations in Omicron variant cases were itchy and sore throat,nasal congestion,running nose,fever,mild aversion to cold,dry mouth,dizziness,slightly reddish tongue with thin white coating,and rapid or wiry pulse. The predominant pathogenesis was wind-dryness invading defensive exterior,and heat stagnation in the lesser Yang. The occurrence of white-coated tongue and the proportion of wind-dryness invading defensive exterior syndrome were higher in Omicron variant cases than in Delta variant casesP<0.05. Conclusion(s): There are certain differences in TCM syndromes and the corresponding pathogenesis between Delta variant and Omicron variant cases in Changsha,Hunan. The Delta variant of SARS-COV-2 tends to induce dampness-heat syndrome, whereas Omicron variant infection tends to elicit wind-dampness syndrome,which is expected to provide a reference for the pathogenesis evolution of SARS-COV-2 infection.Copyright © 2022, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Institute of Chinese Materia Medica. All rights reserved.

A new strategy to integrate silver nanowires with waterborne coating to improve their antimicrobial and antiviral properties

PurposeThis study aims to focus on the preparation and characterization of the silver nanowire (AgNWs), as well as their application as antimicrobial and antivirus activities either with incorporation on the waterborne coating formulation or on their own.Design/methodology/approachPrepared AgNWs are characterized by different analytical instruments, such as ultraviolet-visible spectroscope, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction spectrometer. All the paint formulation's physical and mechanical qualities were tested using American Society for Testing and Materials, a worldwide standard test procedure. The biological activities of the prepared AgNWs and the waterborne coating based on AgNWs were investigated. And, their effects on pathogenic bacteria, antioxidants, antiviral activity and cytotoxicity were also investigated.FindingsThe obtained results of the physical and mechanical characteristics of the paint formulation demonstrated the formulations' greatest performance, as well as giving good scrub resistance and film durability. In the antimicrobial activity, the paint did not have any activity against bacterial pathogen, whereas the AgNWs and AgNWs with paint have similar activity against bacterial pathogen with inhibition zone range from 10 to 14 mm. The development of antioxidant and cytotoxicity activity of the paint incorporated with AgNWs were also observed. The cytopathic effects of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) were reduced in all three investigated modes of action when compared to the positive control group (HSV-1-infected cells), suggesting that these compounds have promising antiviral activity against a wide range of viruses, including DNA and RNA viruses.Originality/valueThe new waterborne coating based on nanoparticles has the potential to be promising in the manufacturing and development of paints, allowing them to function to prevent the spread of microbial infection, which is exactly what the world requires at this time.

Impact of La3+doping on temperature coefficient of resistivity and peak temperature of La x Ca0.89-xSr0.11MnO3 films prepared by sol-gel spin coating method

Herein, refined LaxCa0.89-xSr0.11MnO3 (LCSMO, x = 0.65, 0.68, 0.71 and 0.74) films were prepared through the sol-gel spin-coating. The influence of La3+ content on the structural properties of LCSMO films was investigated by X-ray diffraction and Atomic force microscope, demonstrating that LCSMO films can grow well on SrTiO3 (00l) substrate. Besides, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy verified the double exchange (DE) effect was weakened with La3+ dopant. The La3+ doping and interconnected grains boundaries (GBs) led to the weakening DE effect and GBs scattering, respectively. Due to superior GBs connectivity, the resistivity of LCSMO films was less than 7.1 x 10(-4) Omega.cm at low temperature of 100 K. Importantly, it is an effective control method to keep the temperature (T-k) corresponding to temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR) at room temperature with Sr2+ content as constant in LCSMO films. At x = 0.71, the peak TCR value was found to be 8.84%/K and corresponding T-k was 283.15 K. These results are beneficial for advanced application of uncooling infrared bolometer.

Preparation and characterization of intelligent thermochromic fabric coatings for the detection of fever diseases.

Real-time monitoring of changes in skin temperature with smart thermochromic fabrics that act as sensors is extremely important in the early diagnosis of febrile diseases such as the COVID-19 epidemic that endanger public health. In this context, the study aims to detect fever, which is the immune response of the body, as a symptom in the diagnosis of various diseases and to prepare a thermochromic functional fabric by coating method to reduce the risk of contamination. For this purpose, a composition containing green pigment and zinc acetate dihydrate as the starting material was prepared using the sol-gel method. The prepared composition was applied to calico and alpaca fabric, and it was provided to show transformation at 37.5 °C with the effect of the pigment, which had a color change feature at 33 °C. The samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) characterization methods. The results showed that it was possible to change the active conversion temperature of the pigment from 33 °C to 37.5 °C, depending on the composition. The use of the compositions developed in this study in alpaca fabric coating provides an area of use as an indicator if the human body temperature reaches 37.5 °C, which is considered the concept of fever.

Olfactory Loss and Brain Connectivity after COVID-19: Structural Follow-Up at One Year

Seed treatment is important for protecting seed and seedling from pests and/ or pathogens. Seed treatment can be performed generally in two ways: industrial seed treatment (IST), performed by seed companies, or on-farm treatment (OFT). These treatment technologies will affect the final quality of the process. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the seed quality profile of ISTs and OFTs in Brazilian agribusiness in terms of functional quality and dose application effectiveness (DAE). Seed samples treated by both processes were collected in 6 producing states of Brazil, Mato Grosso, Goias, Parana, Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo, and Santa Catarina. To evaluate the functional quality of the treatments, the coating percentage was determined by high-resolution image analysis with GroundEye (R) equipment, and the insecticide active ingredient DAE amount was determined with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Image analysis proved to be a promising technique to evaluate seed coating, in addition, samples treated with "on farm" technology had greater variation and heterogeneity in coating and active ingredient dose, while samples treated industrially showed greater homogeneity, uniformity, effectiveness of applied products. There was a strong positive correlation between coating with phytosanitary products and DAE in treated corn seeds, important parameters in the evaluation of the quality of the treatment.

Novel polymer composite coated with ethylcellulose nanoparticle from waste paper as an alternative material to extracorporeal oxygenation membrane

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) is a valuable technology to support people with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and is recommended for COVID-19 patients. This study aims to fabricate polymer-based composite membranes coated with ethylcellulose nanoparticles from waste paper and identify the performance of the composite as ECMO candidates. Composite membranes were made from four types of polymers, namely, nylon, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), Pebax® MH-1657, and SBS (poly-(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene)). PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) 1 wt.% and ethylcellulose nanoparticles (3% and 10 wt.%) were used as membrane coatings to increase their hydrophobic properties. The success of cellulose isolation and ethylcellulose synthesis from waste paper was confirmed by the FTIR and XRD analysis. The size of the synthesized ethylcellulose nanoparticles was 32.68 nm. The coating effect on composite membranes was studied by measuring the contact angle, membrane porosity, protein quantification tests, and single gas permeation of O2 and CO2. Based on the protein quantification test, the protein could not pass through the Pebax/PDMS and SBS/PDMS composites coated with 10 wt.% ethylcellulose;this indicated less risk of plasma leakage. The gas permeation test on nylon/PDMS, PTFE/PDMS, and SBS/PDMS composites coated with 10% ethylcellulose resulted high CO2/O2 selectivity, respectively, 2.17, 3.48, and 3.22 as good indication for extracorporeal oxygenation membrane.

Advances in medical textiles

Medical textile is one of the technical textiles sectors, growing faster due to developments in polymer science and technology and innovation in forming new textile structures. In this review, current market trends for the growth of medical textiles for both pre and post covid pandemic periods were discussed. Focus is given to the classification of medical textiles and devices, specific requirements of fibers and widely used types of fibers, and advanced developments in this field, including nanofibers, bicomponent fibers, superabsorbent polymers, and conductive materials used in a wide range of advanced medical devices. Various fabric structures (woven/knitted/nonwoven/braided) have been in use in biomedical devices;however, recent 3D shaped structures such as spacer fabrics, and 3D-printed materials have profoundly marked their significance with its ability to adapt to specific needs of the medical community. Smart wearable sensor technologies for monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed and critically reviewed, enabling the readers to understand the complexity of the nature of interdisciplinary approaches required for developing such complex structures and systems. Antimicrobial agents (synthetic and natural/organic) used in the development of medical textiles mainly wound dressings, advances in antiadhesive textile coatings, and antimicrobial assessments of medical fabrics are critically reviewed. Finally, a case study on 3D printing of complex structures is presented to update modern developments using fine detail resolution (FDR), a selective laser sintering that uses carbon dioxide laser to produce delicate and complex 3D structures suitable for medical applications. It is anticipated that readers will benefit from this critical overview of trends in this sector and the multidisciplinary approaches needed to meet the demands of the ever-growing consumer base. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microbiota shaping and bioburden monitoring of indoor antimicrobial surfaces

Indoor residents are constantly exposed to dynamic microbiota that have significant health effects. In addition to hand hygiene, cleaning, and disinfection, antimicrobial coatings (AMCs) can prevent the spread of infectious diseases in public areas. The sustainable use of antimicrobial-coated products requires an assessment of their pros and cons for human health and the environment. The toxicity and resistance risks of AMCs have been considered, but large-scale genetic studies on the microbial community compositions and resistomes of AMCs are scarce. The use of an AMC can reduce the total number of microbes on a surface but poses the risk of dysbiosis, microbial imbalance, such as the polarized growth of metallophilic, metal- and antimicrobial-resistant, and other survivor bacteria, and the overall reduction of microbial diversity. Loss of diversity may lead to the enrichment of harmful bacteria and an increased risk of communicable or immunological non-communicable inflammatory diseases (NCDs). In public buildings, such as kindergartens and nursing homes for the elderly, the use of AMCs is likely to increase due to epidemics and pandemics in recent years. Therefore, comprehensive metagenomic research is needed to monitor the effects of AMCs on indoor microbial community compositions and functions. Although the determination of good indoor microbiota and homeostasis is difficult, microbial communities that have health-protective or harmful effects can and should be identified using a metagenomic sequencing approach before the large-scale implementation of AMCs.

Antibacterial anodic aluminium oxide-copper coatings on aluminium alloys: preparation and long-term antibacterial performance

Anodic aluminium oxide-copper (AAO-Cu) coatings were prepared on the aluminium (Al) alloy substrates to attain excellent antibacterial performance and mechanical stability. The nanoporous AAO interlayer was ob-tained by anodic oxidation with an outer Cu layer deposited by electroplating. The intermediate zone (similar to 2 mu m thick) of the AAO-Cu coating plays a significant role in the coating properties. The interlocking effect in the AAO-Cu intermediate zone significantly enhances the coating adhesion and curbs the coating defoliation. The anti-bacterial tests show that the AAO-Cu zone provides excellent antibacterial ability even when the outer Cu coating was removed. The sustained antibacterial rate of the AAO-Cu intermediate zone against E. coli exceeded 95%. The Cu ions released from the embedded Cu in the nanoporous AAO structure ensure a long-term antibacterial capability. This coating system can be promoted in a large wide range of antibacterial products in public.

Using visible light to activate antiviral and antimicrobial properties of TiO2 nanoparticles in paints and coatings: focus on new developments for frequent-touch surfaces in hospitals.

The COVID-19 pandemic refocused scientists the world over to produce technologies that will be able to prevent the spread of such diseases in the future. One area that deservedly receives much attention is the disinfection of health facilities like hospitals, public areas like bathrooms and train stations, and cleaning areas in the food industry. Microorganisms and viruses can attach to and survive on surfaces for a long time in most cases, increasing the risk for infection. One of the most attractive disinfection methods is paints and coatings containing nanoparticles that act as photocatalysts. Of these, titanium dioxide is appealing due to its low cost and photoreactivity. However, on its own, it can only be activated under high-energy UV light due to the high band gap and fast recombination of photogenerated species. The ideal material or coating should be activated under artificial light conditions to impact indoor areas, especially considering wall paints or frequent-touch areas like door handles and elevator buttons. By introducing dopants to TiO2 NPs, the bandgap can be lowered to a state of visible-light photocatalysis occurring. Naturally, many researchers are exploring this property now. This review article highlights the most recent advancements and research on visible-light activation of TiO2-doped NPs in coatings and paints. The progress in fighting air pollution and personal protective equipment is also briefly discussed. Graphical Abstract: Indoor visible-light photocatalytic activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) over TiO2 nanoparticles in paint to kill bacteria and coat frequently touched surfaces in the medical and food industries.

Coating of favipiravir (FVP) on silver nanoparticles: First principle study

Silver nanoparticles, thanks to their antiviral and antibacterial properties, have great potential in a variety of applications, such as drug-delivery carriers. The coating properties of silver nanoparticles (size range of 1.6 nm) with a well-known drug, Favipirair, were investigated in this study using quantum mechanical and classical atomistic molecular dynamics simulation in order to use as the drug delivery to treat COVID-19 disease. The drug molecule's optimized structure, frequencies, charge distribution, and electrostatic potential maps were simulated using density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6–311++g(d,p) level of theory. The coating of AgNP with each of these drugs was then studied using molecular dynamics simulation. The interaction affinity obtained from MD results agrees with the DFT results on drug adsorption on the Ag(1 1 1) slab. © 2023

Review on Recent Developments in Coating Procedure by Using Direct Current (DC) Sputtering for Optical Medical Applications

Nano thin films and nano coating have been applied in different fields in health care system because of their higher antiviral properties. Additionally, as the world have suffered since December 2019 from Covid-19 situation, different scientists and industrials people have tried to apply nano antiviral films and coatings in our daily life. In this mini review, nano thin film coating procedure by DC sputtering technique has been reviewed, investigated and evaluated by using different materials and device parameters in recent years. This report focuses on device factors that affect the thickness of nano-lhin films for optical and optic electric applications, these parameters including time, temperature, power, pressure and flow rate of gases, the review provides more understanding meaning of the coating procedure by DC sputtering process. © 2023 PCSIR-Scientific Information Centre. All rights reserved.

Preparation of Highly Stable and Cost-Efficient Antiviral Materials for Reducing Infections and Avoiding the Transmission of Viruses such as SARS-CoV-2.

The current global pandemic due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has demonstrated the necessity to develop novel materials with antimicrobial and antiviral activities to prevent the infection. One significant route for the spread of diseases is by the transmission of the virus through contact with contaminated surfaces. Antiviral surface treatments can help to reduce or even avoid these hazards. In particular, the development of active-virucidal fabrics or paints represents a very important challenge with multiple applications in hospitals, public transports, or schools. Modern, cutting-edge methods for creating antiviral surface coatings use either materials with a metal base or sophisticated synthetic polymers. Even if these methods are effective, they will still face significant obstacles in terms of large-scale applicability. Here, we describe the preparation of fabrics and paints treated with a scaled-up novel nanostructured biohybrid material composed of very small crystalline phosphate copper(II) nanoparticles, synthesized based on a technology that employs the use of a small amount of biological agent for its formation at room temperature in aqueous media. We demonstrate the efficient inactivation of the human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E), the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, and non-enveloped human rhinovirus 14 (HRV-14) (>99.9%) using an inexpensive, ecologically friendly coating agent. The reactive oxygen species produced during the oxidation of water or the more intensive reaction with hydrogen peroxide are believed to be the cause of the antiviral mechanism of the nanostructured material. In contrast to the release of a specific antiviral drug, this process does not consume the surface coating and does not need regeneration. A 12-month aging research that revealed no decline in antiviral activity is proof that the coating is durable in ambient circumstances. Also, the coated fabric can be reused after different washing cycles, even at moderate to high temperatures.

Residual antimicrobial coating efficacy against SARS-CoV-2.

AIMS: This study evaluated the residual efficacy of commercially available antimicrobial coatings or films against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on non-porous surfaces. METHODS AND RESULTS: Products were applied to stainless steel or ABS plastic coupons and dried overnight. Coupons were inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 in the presence of 5% soil load. Recovered infectious SARS-CoV-2 was quantified by TCID50 assay. Tested product efficacies ranged from <1.0 to >3.0 log10 reduction at a 2-h contact time. The log10 reduction in recovered infectious SARS-CoV-2 ranged from 0.44 to 3 log10 reduction on stainless steel and 0.25 to >1.67 log10 on ABS plastic. The most effective products tested contained varying concentrations (0.5%-1.3%) of the same active ingredient: 3-(trihydroxysilyl) propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride. Products formulated with other quaternary ammonium compounds were less effective against SARS-CoV-2 in this test. CONCLUSIONS: The residual antimicrobial products tested showed varied effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 as a function of product tested. Several products were identified as efficacious against SARS-CoV-2 on both stainless steel and ABS plastic surfaces under the conditions evaluated. Differences in observed efficacy may be due to variation in active ingredient formulation; efficacy is, therefore, difficult to predict based upon listed active ingredient and its concentration. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT: This study highlights the formulation-specific efficacy of several products against SARS-CoV-2 and may inform future development of residual antiviral products for use on non-porous surfaces. The identification of antimicrobial coatings or films showing promise to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 suggests that these products may be worth future testing and consideration.

Lipid coating technology: A potential solution to address the problem of sticky containers and vanishing drugs

Pharmaceutical drugs and vaccines require the use of material containers for protection, storage, and transportation. Glass and plastic materials are widely used for packaging, and a longstanding challenge in the field is the nonspecific adsorption of pharmaceutical drugs to container walls – the so-called "sticky containers, vanishing drugs” problem – that effectively reduces the active drug concentration and can cause drug denaturation. This challenge has been frequently discussed in the case of the anticancer drug, paclitaxel, and the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought renewed attention to this material science challenge in light of the need to scale up COVID-19 vaccine production and to secure sufficient quantities of packaging containers. To reduce nonspecific adsorption on inner container walls, various strategies based on siliconization and thin polymer films have been explored, while it would be advantageous to develop mass-manufacturable, natural material solutions, especially ones involving pharmaceutical grade excipients. Inspired by how lipid nanoparticles have revolutionized the vaccine field, in this perspective, we discuss the prospects for developing lipid bilayer coatings to prevent nonspecific adsorption of pharmaceutical drugs and vaccines and how recent advances in lipid bilayer coating fabrication technologies are poised to accelerate progress in the field. We critically discuss recent examples of how lipid bilayer coatings can prevent nonspecific sticking of proteins and vaccines to relevant material surfaces and examine future translational prospects. © 2021 The Authors. VIEW published by Shanghai Fuji Technology Consulting Co., Ltd, authorized by Professional Community of Experimental Medicine, National Association of Health Industry and Enterprise Management (PCEM) and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Some recent developments and testing strategies relating to the passive fire protection of concrete using intumescent coatings: a review

PurposeIn the present article, the authors have conducted a review on some of the recent developments given in the literature pertaining to the passive protection of concrete structures using intumescent coatings. Here, the main thrust is placed on the spalling phenomenon of concrete elements when exposed to elevated temperatures and fires.Design/methodology/approachIn this context, it has been long established that prolonged thermal insult on concrete members will lead to egress of water, both physically bound as well as those present as water of hydration within the concrete matrix, in the form of steam through microchannels and associated pathways of least resistance, often resulting in the flaking of the surface of the structure. The latter process can ultimately lead to the exposure of the ferrous-based reenforcement elements, for instance, to higher temperatures, thus inducing melting. This, in turn, can result in substantial loss of strength and load-bearing capacity of the structural element that is already undergoing disintegration of its base matrix owing to heat/fire. Even though spalling of concrete structures has long been recognized as a serious problem that can often lead to catastrophic failure of infrastructures, such as buildings, bridges and tunnels, the utility of intumescent coating as a mitigation strategy is relatively new and has not been explored to its fullest possible extent. Therefore, in the latter parts of the review, the authors have endeavored to discuss the different types of intumescent coatings, their modes of actions and, in particular, their wider applicability in terms of protecting concrete elements from detrimental effects of severe or explosive spalling.FindingsGiven that spalling of concrete components is still a very serious issue that can result in loss of lives and destruction of critical infrastructures, there is an urgent need to formulate better mitigating strategies, through novel means and methods. The use of the intumescent coating in this context appears to be a promising way forward but is one that seems to be little explored so far. Therefore, a more systematic investigation is highly warranted in this area, especially, as the authors envisage a greater activity in the building and commissioning of more infrastructures worldwide incommensurate with augmented economic activities during the post-COVID recovery period.Originality/valueThe authors have conducted a review on some of the recent developments given in the literature pertaining to the passive protection of concrete structures using intumescent coatings. The authors have also included the results from some recent tests carried out at the facilities using a newly commissioned state-of-the-art furnace.

Super effective antimicrobial silver-sputtered coatings on poly(lactic acid) against bacteria and omicron SARS-CoV-2

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biopolymer with properties potentially suitable for fabricating packaging, medical devices, and healthcare products in a more friendly environmental way because this polymer presents biodegradability, compostability, low carbon footprint, and recyclability. However, PLA does not present intrinsic antimicrobial properties. Antimicrobial materials are highly desirable for manufacturing smart packaging and personal protective equipment to secure food and health professionals against pathogenic microorganisms. In this work, we evaluated the antimicrobial performance of (Ag)-coated PLA against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Omicron severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). PLA was rapidly coated with metallic Ag by pulsed direct current magnetron sputtering (pDCMS) for 5, 10, and 20 s. Atomic force microscopy indicates that the Ag coating grows predominantly on the PLA surface via a bulk diffusion mechanism. According to bactericidal and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays, Ag-coated PLA was capable of inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation and disrupting the genetic material of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2. X-ray high-resolution photoelectron and nuclear magnetic resonance results suggest no polymer chain scission in the PLA bulk due to plasma thermal stress effects during Ag sputtering. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd

Functionalized Photocatalytic Nanocoatings for Inactivating COVID-19 Virus Residing on Surfaces of Public and Healthcare Facilities

The current COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected the large population across the globe by serious respiratory illness and death. Since the medicine for this new disease is yet to discover, the treatment op-tions against pandemic COVID-19 are very limited and unsatisfactory. Further, the hospitals, wherethe COVID-19 patients are admitted for treatment, are the major source of the spread of this virus, as it survives on the surfaces of inanimate objects for days. Therefore, hospitals have become hotspots for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The non-availability of quality personal protective equipment (PPE) and exposure to severe COVID patients have been major factors for the infection in millions of healthcare workers. However, developing an effective medicine has remained challenging due to its unpredictable mutation rate. Here, this article describes functionalized photocatalytic nanocoat-ings to destroy the COVID-19 virus, which can be applied on the surface of inanimate objects, such as paper, cloth, glass, wood, ceramic, metallic, and polymeric surfaces. With the supporting experimental results, various possible ways of killing the virus and its relevant mechanism are dis-cussed. This article provides new insights for developing nano solutions to address this COVID-19 issue.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

Technical briefing: antiviral coatings Solution against coronavirus

In 2020, the transmission of Covid-19 (nCoV) wreaked havoc around the world. The virus transfers from person to person via droplets in the air or by touching contaminated surfaces. Viruses are non-living organisms and require a living host to grow and multiply, so at this moment it becomes of utmost importance to wear a mask, or another means of protective clothing, to slow down the rate of transmission. Using personal protective equipment (PPE) is the only way to safeguard health professionals against the infection. To help combat the crisis, Sarex has developed an antiviral and antibacterial agent called Saraguard-FL. When the solution is applied to a textile the material will deactivate the virus and prevent further transmission. This article highlights the antiviral and antibacterial results of Saraguard-FL treated 100% cotton and 100% polyester fabric. The fabrics were tested at MSL, Laboratory UK for ISO 18184:2019 and showed effective protection >99% against Influenza H1N1 (non-enveloped) and Feline Coronavirus, which belong to the same family of Covid-19 (SARS-CoV2) enveloped virus. Saraguard-FL has also been tested for Cytotoxicity using ISO 10993-5:2009 and it is found that when applied as per the recommended dosage it is non toxic to human cells. © 2020 World Textile Information Network. All rights reserved.