Instantaneous “catch‐and‐kill” inactivation of SARS‐CoV‐2 by nitride ceramics

Abstract

Research indicates that this virus can remain viable for 4 to 72 hours on plastic, copper, and steel, and up to 7 days on surgical mask material,2 creating increased transmission risk in social and medical environments. [...]cells infected with Cu‐treated viral supernatant were essentially dead (see complete lack of F‐actin), clearly indicating that it was free copper ions in the cells having toxic effects, and not viral infection, that caused cell death.7 We confirmed this using in situ Raman spectroscopy (see Supporting Information). The bioceramic, Si3N4, is thus a primary candidate to replace toxic and allergenic compounds in long‐term environmental sanitation.10 The use of micron‐sized Si3N4 particles in disinfectant sprays or their direct embedment in personal protective equipment fabrics (facemasks, surgical drapes, and other garments) in hospitals could limit viral transmission for both health workers and patients.