Low-cost, high volume production and ease of integration is crucial for the development of widespread application of nanotech-enabled products. This month we look at recent COVID-19 developments.
India-based startup Log 9 Materials has developed CoronaOven, a disinfection chamber that kills bacteria and viruses on objects using ultraviolet light. The portable device, with a 20-liter volume, works on the principle of UV germicidal irradiation and is specifically designed to kill COVID-19 or novel coronavirus. It claims to use UV with a wavelength of 235.7 nm to kill viruses from all types of surfaces.
Researchers from EMPA have developed an accurate diagnostic test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus based on plasmonic photothermal sensing. The researchers have produced DNA probes that recognized specific SARS-CoV-2 RNA sequences and attached them to gold nanoparticles. When they added pieces of the virus’s genome, the RNA attached to the complementary probes. The researchers used a laser to heat up the nanoparticles, making it more difficult for imperfectly matched sequences to remain attached, reducing false-positives. Further information at https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsnano.0c02439
Researchers at Norway’s NTNU in collaboration with St. Olavs Hospital are developing a COVID-19 test method that uses magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with silica-these materials demonstrate a strong affinity for RNA, the genetic material inside the virus that causes COVID-19. The test uses the nanoparticles to extract RNA from a solution containing a sample from the patient. The solution contains substances that crack the virus open so that its genetic material can be extracted. RNA from the virus in the solution is strongly attracted to the silica-covered magnetic nanoparticles. The next step is to use a magnet to pull the RNA-covered particles out of the solution.
It is then possible to identify the genetic code from the RNA and compare it to the coronavirus. The researchers tested the accuracy of their method by running tests from patients in parallel with commercial tests. The new method is more sensitive than commercial tests.
NTI Nanotechnology Corp. has developed an anti-viral YZER Health Product line for application in textiles, plastics and sanitizers (branded as YZER Health). Products are premium grade hand sanitizer and face masks that utilize silver nanoparticles. The company are also manufacturing surface wipes and face masks and gowns that have anti-viral properties. Further information at http://nanotechinternational.com/
Researchers at Northwestern University (NU) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), are developing a new nanostructured therapy they claim could potentially disable COVID-19 and prevent its infection of human cells. Further information at https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2020/04/peptide-therapies-could-disable-coronavirus-spike-proteins/
G6 Materials has developed a graphene-based air purification technology that could help mitigate the threat of virus infection in confined spaces such as offices and industrial warehouses. The use of graphene in air filtration systems can make them more efficient in killing germs. The company is currently conducting internal testing, and will subsequently apply for appropriate accreditations and is seeking an industrial partner.
Tiziana Life Sciences PLC has acquired the slow release version of an antibiotic drug used to treat cancer and which could be deployed in the fight against coronavirus (COVID-19). The nano-particle formulation Actinomycin D, or Act, was developed by Dr Kunwar Shailubhai, the company’s chief executive, during his time at Rasna Therapeutics. Early studies of the nano-particle formulation of Act D suggest the slow-release mechanism may allow the maximum level of the drug in the blood – known as Cmax – to be pre-adjusted to the desired level.
Nanoveu Ltd. is developing nanocoatings to protect phone and tablet users from viruses and bacteria, including coronavirus. using The company is using independent labs in the US and Singapore to conduct testing on prototypes for the human coronavirus OC43, which is the same genus as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The company has produced 12 screen protector prototypes that will be subject to additional testing in product effectiveness trials.
MIT start-up E25Bio has developed a gold nanoparticle Covid-19 paper-based test that can deliver results in under half an hour.The company will submit the test to the FDA for emergency use authorization, which would grant temporary approval for using the device on patient samples during public health emergencies. The tests consist of strips of paper that are coated with antibodies that bind to a specific viral protein. A second antibody is attached to gold nanoparticles, and the patient’s sample is added to a solution of those particles. The test strip is then dipped in this solution. If the viral protein is present, it attaches to the antibodies on the paper strip as well as the nanoparticle-bound antibodies, and a coloured spot appears on the strip within 20 minutes.
UK-based planarTECH has announced an extension to its existing agreement with Thailand-based IDEATI to include the marketing and distribution of its 2AM-branded graphene-enhanced antibacterial face masks. IDEATI’s 2AM antibacterial face mask is a patent-pending design that employs a coating containing a combination of graphene and other carbon nanomaterials. IDEATI’s 2AM antibacterial mask is now in mass production. Minimum order quantity is 1,000 units (packs of 3 masks) with a lead time of 10 to 15 days.
Grolltex, in collaboration with Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is seeking to develop a graphene-based virus testing platform to help combat COVID-19. The project involves using hand-held reader units and disposable plastic testing chips designed for U.S. points of entry including hospitals and “point of care” locations. In terms of cost, using the Grolltex industrial-scale graphene manufacturing platform, sensing chips can be made for pennies and in arrays of about 10,000 per single square foot sheet, 100 sheets at a time, according to the company.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel are developing a new type of graphene-enhanced air-filter that self-sterilizes and decontaminates based on water filtration technology. The new nanotechnology is based on laser-induced graphene (LIG) water filters that eliminate viruses and bacteria in water. This new concept, engineered for air-filtration, could be used in air filters in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems or integrated into face masks for a self-sterilizing effect. Surgical masks are mainly designed to protect others, and can actually spread bacteria when they become moist or used improperly. An active LIG air filter in a mask would work during inhalation and exhalation, allowing protection for both the wearer and others in close contact, as well as eliminate the risks of handling a contaminated material.
