Irradiation of tubular semiconductors in thermoplastic matrices to eliminate pathogens

• Grant number: 21/12370-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): July 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): June 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Alexandre Zirpoli Simões
• Grantee: Bruno de Vasconcellos Averaldo Hangai
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEG). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Guaratinguetá. Guaratinguetá , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials, AP.CEPID

Abstract

The worldwide outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) and other emerging microbial infections has attracted particular interest for the design and development of new biocidal agents, with a broad spectrum of activity. Since then, efficient strategies need to be implemented for the rapid diagnosis, prevention, control and treatment of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants. In the current scenario of SARS-CoV-2 infections, the technological challenge lies in the development of economically viable biocidal systems, reusable and capable of inactivating opportunistic pathogens, thus reducing the risk of infection and transmission. In this project, we propose the synthesis of Na2Ti3O7 and H2Ti3O7 semiconductors and their subsequent modification with laser in femtoseconds and electron beam, enhancing the biocidal activity of these semiconductors. Polymeric composites will be obtained from mixtures of these semiconductors with polymers, in particular, polypropylene (PP) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), in the quantities of 0.5, 1 and 3%, targeting their technological applications in common manufacturing products such as packaging and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The polymeric composites will be evaluated structurally and morphologically, obtaining correlations between the biocidal activity and the structure. The biocidal activities of the proposed materials will be evaluated against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria, against fungi (Candida albicans) and against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Once proven to biocidal activity, specific migration tests will be carried out to assess the stability of the materials obtained. As a product of this project, it is expected to obtain flexible safe biocidal technologies (using polymeric composite), which can be applied for the design of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), packaging, fabrics, hygienic implements, such as implants and prostheses, and other economically viable devices to combat the increase in viral pandemics and fatal risks associated with viruses. (AU)