Sprayable coating against SARS-CoV-2
A recently published paper focuses on the production of a sprayable waterborne polyurethane coating with silver nanoparticles for combating SARS-CoV-2.
To halt the ongoing global pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, the use of antiviral surfaces becomes an interesting alternative to prevent the spread of pathogens through contaminated surfaces. In this context, waterborne polyurethane coatings with silver nanoparticles (WPU/AgNPs) were synthesized in order to confer antiviral activity to the nanocomposites for further application on surfaces. The addition of nanoparticles in WPU did not change the structure of the polymer chain; hence, properties such as hardness, tensile strength, and elongation were not influenced. However, an increase in the surface hydrophobicity followed by a slight yellowing due to the intrinsic colour of the nanosilver was observed.
Inactivation yields greater than 99.0%
Furthermore, the nanocomposites did not show in vitro cytotoxicity for BALB/3T3 cells. The nanocomposites were tested against SARS-CoV-2, obtaining inactivation yields greater than 99.0%, and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus even after three months of use. Hence, these nanocomposites were produced as a sprayable polyurethane for surface coatings application, providing a finish to all kinds of surfaces such as tables, handrails, switches, and doorknobs.
The study has been published in Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Volume 20, Issue 6, November 2023.
