Self-sterilizing polymers are effective at inactivating SARS-CoV-2 virus

Reviewed by Emily Henderson, B.Sc.Feb 17 2021

Researchers from North Carolina State University, Boston University, and Kraton Corporation have demonstrated a family of self-sterilizing polymers that are effective at inactivating coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 - the virus that causes COVID-19.

The work opens the door to a suite of applications that could help to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and other diseases.

"Our work here provides conclusive evidence that these materials, anionic polymers, can inactivate human coronaviruses quickly and efficiently," says Richard Spontak, co-author of a paper on the work accepted for publication in Advanced Science. Spontak is a Distinguished Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and a professor of materials science and engineering at North Carolina State University.

If we want to coat high-contact surfaces such as textiles, countertops, or walls - it's possible. Virus inactivation will occur as long as there is sufficient humidity."

says Frank Scholle, Study Co-Author and Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, Director of Center for Advanced Virus Experimentation (CAVE), North Carolina State University

When these anionic polymers absorb water, protons can travel through nanoscale channels to the surface, creating a highly acidic environment capable of inactivating viruses and killing bacteria and mold. The research team had previously demonstrated that several of the anionic polymers were effective against a range of pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and a strain of influenza.

"Based on what we've learned, we've been able to identify a fundamentally new inactivation mechanism and a family of polymers that expand the health care sector's arsenal for fighting the spread of coronavirus," Spontak says.

In laboratory experiments, the researchers demonstrated that specific anionic polymers could fully inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in just 5 minutes, and fully inactivate a human coronavirus surrogate called HCoV-229E in 20 minutes.

Kraton Corporation is in the process of evaluating applications for how some of these polymers might be used in a variety of settings.

"We are thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with NC State University and Boston University to address an important and urgent need for long-lasting antimicrobial performance," says Vijay Mhetar, Kraton's Chief Technology Officer. "Building upon this scientific discovery, Kraton Corporation is actively seeking regulatory approvals and evaluating application uses in transportation, health care, and building and infrastructure."