A novel inactivated virus system (InViS) for a fast and inexpensive assessment of viral disintegration

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused considerable interest worldwide in antiviral surfaces, and there has been a dramatic increase in the research and development of innovative material systems to reduce virus transmission in the past few years. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) norms 18,184 and 21,702 are two standard methods to characterize the antiviral properties of porous and non-porous surfaces. However, during the last years of the pandemic, a need for faster and inexpensive characterization of antiviral material was identified. Therefore, a complementary method based on an Inactivated Virus System (InViS) was developed to facilitate the early-stage development of antiviral technologies and quality surveillance of the production of antiviral materials safely and efficiently. The InViS is loaded with a self-quenched fluorescent dye that produces a measurable increase in fluorescence when the viral envelope disintegrates. In the present work, the sensitivity of InViS to viral disintegration by known antiviral agents is demonstrated and its potential to characterize novel materials and surfaces is explored. Finally, the InViS is used to determine the fate of viral particles within facemasks layers, rendering it an interesting tool to support the development of antiviral surface systems for technical and medical applications.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to global interest in antiviral surfaces, resulting in increased research and development of innovative material systems. ISO has established two standard methods to characterize the antiviral properties of different surfaces. However, there is a need for faster and cheaper methods for the characterization of antiviral materials. Therefore, a complementary method called InViS based on an Inactivated Virus System has been developed. This method can effectively evaluate the antiviral properties of different materials and surfaces. Additionally, it has been used to determine the fate of viral particles in facemasks, which is important for the development of antiviral surface systems for technical and medical applications.