SBIR Phase I: A Safe and Effective Copper Nanoparticle Suspension Formulation for Face Mask Applications against SARS-COV-2 and Other Viruses (COVID-19)

这个小型企业创新研究（SBIR）项目的更广泛的影响/商业潜力在于创新的抗病毒涂层，以改善个人防护设备（PPE）。 鉴于COVID-19的高传染性，通过大幅改善个人防护装备（尤其是口罩）来管理传染至关重要。从外科口罩开始，拟议的抗病毒组合物将显著减少SARS-CoV-2及其变体的传播。 这也有助于减少其他表面病原体。 该SBIR第一阶段项目提出开发一种对SARS-CoV-2具有抗病毒活性的制剂，可用于N95口罩，而不会破坏过滤要求。为了实现这一目标，该公司提出开发14种优化配方，这些配方将使用该公司的超声波喷涂技术在N95口罩上进行测试。将在H1N1流感病毒的病毒攻击研究中测试表现出可接受的喷涂参数的八种制剂。具有最高抗病毒活性的四种制剂将进一步用相关病毒进行测试，包括SARS-CoV-2。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project lies in an innovative antiviral coating to improve personal protective equipment (PPE). Given the high transmissibility of COVID-19, it is critical to manage contagion though substantive improvements to PPE, especially face masks. The proposed antiviral composition will significantly reduce spread of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, starting with surgical face masks. This can help reduction of other surface-based pathogens as well. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop a formulation that exhibits antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and can be applied to N95 masks without disrupting filtration requirements. To accomplish this, the company proposes to develop fourteen optimized formulations that will be tested on N95 masks using the company’s ultrasonic spray coating technology. Eight formulations that exhibit acceptable spray coating parameters will be tested in viral challenge studies with H1N1 flu virus. The four formulations with highest antiviral activity will be further tested with relevant viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.