Mechanisms of instantaneous inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by silicon nitride bioceramic. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pezzotti, G.; Boschetto, F.; Ohgitani, E.; Fujita, Y.; Shin-Ya, M.; Adachi, T.; Yamamoto, T.; Kanamura, N.; Marin, E.; Zhu, W.; Nishimura, I.; Mazda, O.
• Is Part Of: Materials today bio. Volume 12(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Silicon nitride -- Virus -- Surface chemistry -- Ammonia -- SARS-CoV-2 -- Hydrolysis; Materials science -- Periodicals; Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials -- Periodicals; 620.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2021.100144
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2590-0064

Abstract

Abstract: The hydrolytic processes occurring at the surface of silicon nitride (Si3 N4 ) bioceramic have been indicated as a powerful pathway to instantaneous inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, the virus inactivation mechanisms promoted by Si3 N4 remain yet to be elucidated. In this study, we provide evidence of the instantaneous damage incurred on the SARS-CoV-2 virus upon contact with Si3 N4 . We also emphasize the safety characteristics of Si3 N4 for mammalian cells. Contact between the virions and micrometric Si3 N4 particles immediately targeted a variety of viral molecules by inducing post-translational oxidative modifications of S-containing amino acids, nitration of the tyrosine residue in the spike receptor binding domain, and oxidation of RNA purines to form formamidopyrimidine. This structural damage in turn led to a reshuffling of the protein secondary structure. These clear fingerprints of viral structure modifications were linked to inhibition of viral functionality and infectivity. This study validates the notion that Si3 N4 bioceramic is a safe and effective antiviral compound; and a primary antiviral candidate to replace the toxic and allergenic compounds presently used in contact with the human body and in long-term environmental sanitation. Graphical abstract: Image 1