Antiviral coating for mitigation of COVID-19 pandemic a review on the role of nanomaterial for safer surface against COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic the world has been facing is caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The virus can remain on certain surfaces for an extended period. As a consequence, contact with the surfaces can cause a healthy human to contract the disease. Although certain household items work against contaminated surfaces, none of the disinfectants can be used for a considerable amount of time. Therefore, the assessment and use of non-corrosive and non-toxic disinfectants are critical to stop the infection from spreading. Copper, along with its compounds and polymers, CPEs and OPEs, and Carbon Nanomaterials have demonstrated effective antibacterial and antiviral activity against bacteria such as E. Coli, S. Aureus, and viruses such as Influenza A virus. This review investigates the potential of using these substances as a surface coating to render the SARS-CoV-2 virus inactive. In addition, the review summarizes helpful information regarding the antimicrobial and antiviral activity and mechanism of polymers, copper, and carbon nanostructures. It also discusses the efficacy of these functional coatings in deactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus.