Cuprous oxide nanoparticles incorporated into a polymeric matrix embedded in fabrics to prevent spread of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a coating for cotton and polypropylene (PP) fabrics based on a polymeric matrix embedded with cuprous oxide nanoparticles (Cu₂O@SDS NPs) in order to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 and manufactured by a simple process using a dip-assisted layer-by-layer technology, at low curing temperature and without the need for expensive equipment, capable of achieving disinfection rates of up to 99%. The polymeric bilayer coating makes the surface of the fabrics hydrophilic, enabling the transportation of the virus-infected droplets to achieve the rapid inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by contact with the Cu₂O@SDS NPs incorporated in the coated fabrics.

Keywords: Bilayer coating; Cuprous oxide hybrid nanoparticles; Fabrics/textile; Virucidal activity.