To halt the pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2), governments around the world have imposed policies, such as lockdowns, mandatory mask-wearing, and social distancing. The application of disinfecting materials in shared public facilities can be an additional measure to control the spread of the virus. Copper is a prominent material with antibacterial and antiviral effects.
The development of this copper nano-layer stems from concerns about Covid-19 transmission through surfaces that are often touched. Research to find a better solution for protection against virus transmission begins with finding antiviral ingredients and continues by looking for ways to improve the effectiveness of these ingredients. We increase the copper antivirus performance by producing it in nano form and then applying it in the form of coating.
In this study, we synthesized copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) as a surface coating agent and assessed their antiviral activity against SARS‑CoV‑2. CuNPs with a mean size of 254 nm in diameter were synthesized from copper sulfate as a source and were predominantly composed of copper oxide. The synthesized CuNPs were mixed with resin‑based paint (CuNP/paint) and sprayed on the surface of stainless steel remnants. SARS‑CoV‑2 lost 97.8% infectivity on the CuNP/paint-coated surface after 30 min and more than 99.995% infectivity after one h of exposure.
This technology is very useful during this pandemic era and hopefully, it could help Covid-19 remission. Covid-19 wave that is concerning, with new variants that keeps appearing. With new variants, virus spreading level is higher.
In Indonesia, first Omicron case appeared at the end of 2021. This is a time when Covid-19 in Indonesia seems to be under control. Meanwhile, the worldwide case graph began to rise. From the antiviral and antibacterial test results, we took preventive steps by applying coating at one of the largest hospitals in Surabaya-Indonesia, UNAIR Hospital. The coating was then carried out in early January to reduce transmission in hospitals (nosocomial infections) and protect health workers.
The coating can be applied to various surfaces such as door handles, faucets, stair railings, tables, and other surfaces that have the potential to cause transmission of the virus. It should also be applied in public places such as offices, airports, schools, hotels, and especially hospitals.
Development has also been made to antibacterial properties with good bacterial inhibition results. With these advantages, coatings can provide outstanding protection not only against Covid-19, but also against other virus and bacterial outbreaks in the future. The development of this product in the future is not only limited to surfaces that are often touched but also to the protection of food safety, factories, air filters, and others.
Author: Prof. Maria inge Lusida, dr., Ph.D., M.Kes., Sp.MK(K)
Details of the research can be viewed here:
Agung Purniawan, Maria Inge Lusida, Royan Wafi Pujiyanto, Aldise Mareta Nastri, Adita Ayu Permanasari, Alfonsus Adrian Hadikusumo Harsono, Nur Hafidzah Oktavia, Sigit Tri Wicaksono, Jezzy Renova Dewantari, Rima Ratnanggana Prasetya, Krisnoadi Rahardjo, Mitsuhiro Nishimura, Yasuko Mori, Kazufumi Shimizu. Synthesis and assessment of copper-based nanoparticles as a surface coating agent for antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2. Scientific Reports, (2022)12:4835
