Visible Light-Mediated Inactivation of H1N1 Virus UsingPolymer-Based Heterojunction Photocatalyst

Stefania Porcu

First

;Stefania Maloccu;Angela Corona;Moulika Hazra;Tullia Carla David;Daniele Chiriu;Carlo Maria Carbonaro;Enzo Tramontano;Pier Carlo Ricci

2023-01-01

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Abstract

It is well known that viruses cannot replicate on their own but only inside the cells of target tissues in the organism, resulting in the destruction of the cells or, in some cases, their transformation into cancer cells. While viruses have relatively low resistance in the environment, their ability to survive longer is based on environmental conditions and the type of substrate on which they are deposited. Recently, the potential for safe and efficient viral inactivation by photocatalysis has garnered increasing attention. In this study, the Phenyl carbon nitride/TiO2 heterojunction system, a hybrid organic–inorganic photocatalyst, was utilized to investigate its effectiveness in degrading the flu virus (H1N1). The system was activated by a white-LED lamp, and the process was tested on MDCK cells infected with the flu virus. The results of the study demonstrate the hybrid photocatalyst’s ability to cause the virus to degrade, highlighting its effectiveness for safe and efficient viral inactivation in the visible light range. Additionally, the study underscores the advantages of using this hybrid photocatalyst over traditional inorganic photocatalysts, which typically only work in the ultraviolet range.