Electroceutical Fabric Lowers Zeta Potential and Eradicates Coronavirus Infectivity upon Contact

Abstract

Coronavirus with intact infectivity attached to PPE surfaces pose significant threat to the spread of COVID-19. We tested the hypothesis that an electroceutical fabric, generating weak potential difference of 0.5V, disrupts the infectivity of coronavirus upon contact by destabilizing the electrokinetic properties of the virion. Respiratory coronavirus particles (105) were placed in direct contact with the fabric for 1 or 5 minutes. Viral particles (2.5-4x104) were recovered from the fabric. Following one minute of contact, zeta potential of the coronavirus was significantly lowered indicating destabilization of its electrokinetic properties. Size-distribution plot showed appearance of aggregation of the virus. Testing of the cytopathic effects of the virus showed eradication of infectivity as quantitatively assessed by PI-calcein and MTT cell viability tests. This work provides the rationale to consider the studied electroceutical fabric, or other materials with comparable property, as material of choice for the development of PPE in the fight against COVID-19.