Antioxidant-presenting, hard silicone-coated surfaces that kill COVID-19

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Viruses are susceptible to antioxidants. In addition, COVID-19 is particularly susceptible to surfactants, which is why we all wash our hands to kill the virus. We propose to combine these two vulnerabilities to make silicone coatings for surfaces (e.g., for use on hospital beds, doorknobs) to render them anti-viral. Silicone elastomers have a low surface energy, which will be combined with antioxidants: i) that are physically mixed; or, ii) chemically tethered into the matrix. The antioxidants will bloom to the interface and be released or, in the case of tethered antioxidants, will present at the interface. The resulting antioxidant surfaces will lead to COVID-19 death. The research project involves small molecule and polymer synthesis, physical characterization, and biological assessment using, initially, a safe virus bacteriophage as a surrogate for COVID-19. Eventually, in concert with collaborators in McMaster hospital, the surfaces will be tested with live virus. Our partner, Siltech, is a world leader in surface active silicones. They will scale up and test promising surface formlulations. 2 HQP will be involved in this process, a graduate student and 1/3 of a PDF.