Development of an Anti-Viral coating for Pandemic Mitigation of COVID-19 using titanium dioxide nanoparticles

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SARS-CoV-2 remains active on various surfaces for up to 72 hours creating a network of contaminated surfaces, enabling rapid spread of the virus. In this project we propose to address this issue by preventing the transition of the virus through surface contamination. we propose to design a new type of coating containing TiO2 nanoparticles which, under visible light, can annihilate the SARS-CoV-2 viruses that are attached to high risk surfaces via microdroplets or touch. This could significantly prevent cross-contamination and rapid spread of the virus. We will incorporate the photoactive TiO2 nanoparticles in the form of sprays and paint which are the two most-commonly used techniques for coating surfaces. Consequently, the new type of coating can simply be applied to a variety of surfaces and already built-in parts such as knobs, handles, walls, ceilings, and biomedical instruments. TiO2 particles are photocatalytically active under UV irradiation and can photo-kill capsid proteins of SARS-CoV-2 viruses in a short time. Moreover, Titania is a low-cost material and possesses very low toxicity and high chemical stability. In order to induce photocatalytic properties in TiO2 nanoparticles under visible light, we will dope the particles with nitrogen using a single-step heat treatment technique. In collaboration with our industry partner (Nanophyll Inc.) we are determined to design a pilot production line and rapidly commercialize our final product in the form of an antiviral paint or spray. Our industrial collaborator's considerable experience in developing and manufacturing smart coatings for bacteria and fouling resistant as well as self-cleaning, will greatly help with rapid commercialization of the developed coatings using the potential of Nanophyll's strategic partners.