Polypropylene Modified with Ag-Based Semiconductors as a Potential Material against SARS-CoV-2 and Other Pathogens

Author(s):Show less -

Assis, Marcelo ; Ribeiro, Lara K. ; Goncalves, Mariana O. ; Staffa, Lucas H. ; Paiva, Robert S. ; Lima, Lais R. ; Coelho, Dyovani ; Almeida, Lauana F. ; Moraes, Leonardo N. ; Rosa, Ieda L. V. ; Mascaro, Lucia H. ; Grotto, Rejane M. T. ; Sousa, Cristina P. ; Andres, Juan ; Longo, Elson ; Cruz, Sandra A.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS; v. 4, n. 10, p. 13-pg., 2022-09-16.

Abstract

The worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) and other emerging infections are difficult and sometimes impossible to treat, making them one of the major public health problems of our time. It is noteworthy that Ag-based semiconductors can help orchestrate several strategies to fight this serious societal issue. In this work, we present the synthesis of alpha-Ag2WO4, beta-Ag2MoO4, and Ag2CrO4 and their immobilization in polypropylene in the amounts of 0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 wt %, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the composites was investigated against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli, the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, and the fungus Candida albicans. The best antimicrobial efficiency was achieved by the composite with alpha-Ag2WO4, which completely eliminated the microorganisms in up to 4 h of exposure. The composites were also tested for the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 virus, showing antiviral efficiency higher than 98% in just 10 min. Additionally, we evaluated the stability of the antimicrobial activity, resulting in constant inhibition, even after material aging. The antimicrobial activity of the compounds was attributed to the production of reactive oxygen species by the semiconductors, which can induce high local oxidative stress, causing the death of these microorganisms. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/13423-5 - Compounds produced by endophyte microorganisms isolated from Brazilian tropical savannah: bioactivity, association with a-Ag2WO4 and biotechnological applications
• Grantee: Cristina Paiva de Sousa
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials
• Grantee: Elson Longo da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 17/11986-5 - Generation and storage of New Energy: bringing technological development for the country
• Grantee: Ana Flávia Nogueira
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program