Superior long-lasting Anti-SARS-CoV-2 bleaching polymers

The ongoing worldwide COVID-19 pandemic caused by the rapid spreading of a novel coronavirus, namely SARS-CoV-2. It has wreaked havoc across the globe, infected over 232-million people and killed more than 4.7-million, and caused economic devastation. In this work, we present the design and rapid development of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 polymeric materials, their stability, function and activity against SARS-CoV-2. About 400 polymers, including mono- and dual-functionalization, homo- and co-polymers, individual and mixtures were designed and studied including activity against SARS-CoV-2 and its elements. Polymers were screened at 3 levels: activity against the spikes, deactivation of SARS-CoV-2 infection capability using pseudovirus model, and deactivation of infection capability of clinically isolated SARS-CoV-2. Superior engineered materials were discovered with capability of continuous and elongated release of hypohalogen and activity. These materials exhibited stronger activity than the small molecule-based bleach exhibiting over 99.9% activity against the SARS-CoV-2 spikes at 60 times lower concentration of the allowed household bleach, 3 log reduction in 10 min and 99.99% deactivation of infection capability of SARS-CoV-2 in the pseudovirus model and up to 5 log reduction of infection capability of the clinically isolated intact SARS-CoV-2 infectious virus. Nevertheless, these polymers were found to maintain their activity against the spikes on varied surfaces including plastic, glass, cardboard, fabric, wood and stainless steel all following 1-week in ventilated open space. Also, they were screened for activity against different types of bacteria and found highly effective. In addition, these superior polymers examined for safety and toxicity against series of human cells including: skin, lungs, kidney cells and non-human primates Vero-E6 cells for up to 72 hours. The polymers showed no toxicity (even cells growth was found better) and higher safety profile in comparison to household bleach which found to demolish cells quickly starting of 90 min. We strongly believe that these polymers provide useful arsenal of materials for limiting the spreading of coronavirus and its mutants as well as for future anticipated outbreaks. This work was supported by COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant-20878 from EIT-Health (EIT-Health is supported by the EIT, a body of the European Union) and we are very thankful for that.