Inactivation of Human Coronavirus by FATHHOME's Dry Sanitizer Device: Rapid and Eco-Friendly Ozone-Based Disinfection of SARS-CoV-2.

Timsy Uppal,Subhash C Verma,Amir Khazaieli,Antoine M Snijders

doi:10.3390/pathogens10030339

Timsy Uppal, Subhash C Verma + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10030339

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Abstract

The pandemic of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 was reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Pertaining to its high transmissibility and wide host adaptability, this unique human coronavirus spread across the planet inflicting 115 million people and causing 2.5 million deaths (as of March 3rd, 2021). Limited or negligible pre-existing immunity to multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants has resulted in severe morbidity and mortality worldwide, as well as a record-breaking surge in the use of medical-surgical supplies and personal protective equipment. In response to the global need for effective sterilization techniques, this study evaluated the virucidal efficacy of FATHHOME’s self-contained, ozone-based dry-sanitizing device, by dose and time response assessment. We tested inactivation of human coronavirus, HCoV-OC43, a close genetic model of SARS-CoV-2, on porous (N95 filtering facepiece respirator/FFR) and nonporous (glass) surfaces. We started our assays with 20 ppm-10 min ozone exposure, and effectively reduced 99.8% and 99.9% of virus from glass and N95 FFR surfaces, respectively. Importantly, the virus was completely inactivated, below the detection limit (over 6-log10 reduction) with 25 ppm-15 min ozone exposure on both tested surfaces. As expected, a higher ozone exposure (50 ppm-10 min) resulted in faster inactivation of HCoV-OC43 with 100% inactivation from both the surfaces, with no residual ozone present after completion of the 5-min post exposure recapture cycle and no measurable increase in ambient ozone levels. These results confirmed that FATHHOME’s device is suitable for rapid decontamination of SARS-CoV-2- from worn items, frequently touched items, and PPE including N95 FFRs, face shields, and other personal items.

Highlights

Introduction published maps and institutional affilThe recently identified SARS-CoV-2, a betacoronavirus of zoonotic origin [1], has been implicated as the etiologic agent of the COVID-19 pandemic [2]
COVID-19 is a severe and potentially fatal infectious disease that can be spread by asymptomatic, pre-symptomatic, and symptomatic carriers [3,4]
Viral copies in the harvested supernatant were quantified by Reverse Transcriptase qPCR using a standard curve as well as infectivity assay and the detection of virally infected cells through immunofluorescence assay (IFA)

Summary

Introduction

The recently identified SARS-CoV-2, a betacoronavirus of zoonotic origin [1], has been implicated as the etiologic agent of the COVID-19 pandemic [2]. COVID-19 is a severe and potentially fatal infectious disease that can be spread by asymptomatic, pre-symptomatic, and symptomatic carriers [3,4]. As of 3rd March 2021, over 115 million people worldwide [5] have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, threatening human health and public safety. Even though a large portion of COVID-19 patients remain asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, the infection causes serious complications in susceptible individuals [6]. COVID-19 disease is characterized by complications including endothelial barrier disruption, dysfunctional alveolar-capillary oxygen transmission, and impaired oxygen diffusion capacity [7]. Life threatening acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

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