Cheaper than silver
Scientists have tested new materials with nanoparticles for protective masks
TSU News
Scientists of TSU, IFPM SB RAS and IHTC have developed, among other things, protective masks and medical clothing. The materials were tested on the basis of the Federal Research Center for Fundamental and Translational Medicine (FITZ FTM, Novosibirsk) in accordance with the most modern protocols for evaluating antiviral activity using the A/H1N1 influenza virus model and tested at the IFPM SB RAS (Tomsk) on the Escherichia coli (E. coli) model. The new materials have shown high efficiency in relation to both model objects.
– The situation with new pathogens arising from natural foci requires a fundamentally new approach to the organization of prevention: it is necessary to create barriers to the spread of microbes by preventing their accumulation on surfaces and medical devices, – explains Advisor to the Rector of TSU Alexey Sazonov.– Recent outbreaks of SARS virus, avian influenza, H1N1 influenza, COVID-19 coronavirus have shown that it is not enough to treat surfaces with disinfectants. It is necessary that the surfaces themselves "fight" the infection.
Scientists of TSU and IFPM SB RAS have developed new technologies for imparting antiseptic properties to polymer medical materials, including fibrous ones used for the manufacture of protective masks, gowns, caps and other medical items. As a tool acting as a barrier to the pathogen, scientists used zinc oxide nanoparticles and biocomponent copper oxide (Cu-Fe)O particles obtained by the method of electric explosion of conductors.
During the research on the basis of FITZ FTM, samples of fibrous structures were tested: several samples of polypropylene with particles of copper, copper oxide and zinc oxide, as well as control samples – fragments of non-woven spunbond material.
Liquid containing strains of pandemic model influenza virus A/Tomsk/273-MA1/2010 (H1N1pdm09) was applied to the materials. After 30 minutes, the researchers assessed the viral load in the flushes from the materials. In flushes from polypropylene samples containing copper oxide and zinc oxide particles, there was no viral load, unlike flushing from the surface of the control sample (spunbond), where a high virus content was noted.
Along with this, the antiviral activity of materials with nanoparticles was tested on the culture of MDCK cells sensitive to the virus. They were treated with liquids from flushes and cell viability was assessed. The analysis showed that flushes from nanomaterials did not have a negative effect on cells, unlike flushes from a control sample (spunbond) that did not contain nanoparticles.
In the course of research conducted by the staff of TSU and IFPM SB RAS, the effectiveness of the protective properties of new materials against E. coli was revealed. Along with this, it has been established that technological processes do not adversely affect bioactive particles and do not reduce their protective qualities.
– The test results allowed us to take a fresh look at our own development, - says Alexander Vorozhtsov, Vice–Rector of TSU for Scientific and Innovative Activities. – The nanoparticles we have obtained are promising for use in other fields. For example, they can be introduced into paint and varnish materials and used for surface treatment in medical institutions, schools, kindergartens and other organizations with high traffic. Now silver-containing paints are sometimes used for such purposes. Paints with our nanoparticles will not only be effective, but also much cheaper. Thanks to such coatings, the disinfection process will become permanent. Currently, TSU and its partners are solving the issues of commercialization of a new product and bringing it to market.
It is worth noting that highly effective and non-toxic materials and products made from them (door handles, table surfaces, baseboards, face masks, medical staff clothing, gloves, etc.), allowing to interrupt the pathways of infection, are extremely in demand in healthcare. Moreover, these materials can be used in everyday life, protecting people 24/7. A striking example can be cell phone cases with bactericidal and viricidal effects, which are currently almost the main "vehicle" for pathogens.
We should add that TSU is actively searching for new antiviral protection tools. So, together with the Institute of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine SB RAS, IPHET SB RAS and industrial partners, researchers have developed a new technology for the synthesis of the pharmaceutical substance oseltamivir ethoxysuccinate and obtained a drug with a doubled antiviral effect. The project was implemented within the framework of the federal target program "Pharma 2020".
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