Antiviral 3D coated polypropylene

A study conducted by Rie Hirao and Hisato Takeuchi et al., was published in the ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

To inhibit viral infection, it is necessary for the surface of polypropylene (PP), a polymer of significant industrial relevance, to possess biocidal properties. We functionalized PP with three-dimensionally surface-bounded polymers with a benzalkonium chloride-like structure by a simple and rapid method. With the synthesis method proposed in this study, the thickness of the coating layer can be easily controlled, and we found that the antiviral effect is maintained even after abrasion by adding thickness. The surface of polypropylene, which is utilized in a wide range of materials, can contribute to preventing the spread of new infections, adding stable antiviral performance. The coating thickness can be controlled, so a wide range of applications can be expected, regardless of the shape, such as filters.

An illustration from this study was selected as one of the covers of the journal covers.
https://pubs.acs.org/toc/aamick/16/8

Title: Polypropylene-rendered Antiviral by Three-dimensionally Surface-grafted Poly(N-benzyl-4-vinylpyridinium bromide)
Authors: Hirao, R., Takeuchi, H., Kawada, J., Ishida, N.
Journal Name: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Published: February 11, 2024
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.3c15125