The TiO2/CuxO coating inactivates viruses even under dark condition. Its antiviral activity is further enhanced by visible light irradiation. Credit: Ryuichi Nakano from Nara Medical University
A photocatalyst made using a combination of titanium dioxide and copper oxide nanoclusters inactivates various variant types of novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. In a recent breakthrough, scientists in Nara Medical University, Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, and Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed this antiviral photocatalyst, which has been proven to be effective under both darkness and indoor light.
The novel coronavirus , responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, has affected millions of people worldwide. The main transmission pathway of the virus is through droplets released by infected people into the air. Additionally, these droplets exist on various surfaces as well. Viral infections mainly occur in indoor environments where many people gather. Antiviral chemicals, such as alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, are often used to decontaminate regularly touched surfaces.
Small CuxO nanoclasters are grafted on TiO2 particles. Credit: Masahiro Miyauchi from Tokyo Institute of Technology, cause oxidation reaction that can destroy organic matter like the spike proteins found on the surfaces of coronaviruses. However, these coatings are activated only when exposed to UV light, which is not present in typical indoor environments.
To get the coating to work under visible light as well dark conditions, the team developed a composite consisting of TiO