Covid 19: RAPID: Antiviral Functionalized Membrane Mask and Nanostructured Materials for Corona Virus Capture and Deactivation

The development of advanced barrier devices (such as, face masks and room air filters) to capture and deactivate coronavirus type active particles requires integration of science between advanced materials and medical/biological sciences field. Conventional barriers rely on a variety of mechanisms to entrap particles on the surface of polymer fibers. SAR-Cov-2 sized particles, although smaller than the “most penetrating particle” size of 0.3 , still fall in a region of poorer barrier efficiency where air-assisted diffusion dominates among the capture mechanisms. Covid -19 virus particles range from 50-150 nmand have spiked S-glycoprotein (SGP) on the surface. Optimal materials must be breathable, flexible and affordable. The coronavirus disease, caused by the coronavirus COVID-19 was first reported in December 2019 and has spread as a global pandemic. The virus causes acute respiratory symptoms, such as dyspnoea and pneumonia. According to the data from the World Health Organization (WHO), about 117 thousand deaths and 1.8 million cases have been confirmed globally by April 13, 2020. The innovative aspects of our RAPID program proposal will enable us to develop in a rapid manner the integration of enzymatic (for partial surface S-protein degradation) and recognition-based antibody materials on existing or other cellulosic and other polymeric membrane polymer films which are easily scalable.