Development of Polyamine-Containing Coatings to Deactivate COVID-19 on Surfaces

Background

Linear and branched polyethylenimines (PEI; modified and unmodified) have been shown to have surface activity against various viruses, including influenza (Liu et al. 2014, Hsu et al. 2011, Haldar 2008, 2007, 2006), herpes simplex (Hayashi et al. 2014, Larson et al. 2013), papillomavirus and cytomegalovirus (Spoden et al. 2011) , and polio virus (Larson 2011). This anti-viral activity (Sinclair et al. 2018) is in addition to antibacterial and antifungal activity (Hoque et al. 2019 and 2015)). Furthermore, the PEI polymers are active simply by coating surfaces with organic solutions of PEI or with PEI-containing paint (Hoque et al. 2019 and 2015)).

Technology Overview

This hypothesis is that the researchers at The University of Minnesota can develop PEI coatings that will disable the COVID-19 virus on contact. These coatings (clear and opaque) will be applied to high-use surfaces such as counter tops, door handles, etc. that serve as places for the transfer of the COVID-19 virus between individuals. The goal of this effort is to inactivate the COVID-19 virus on such surfaces as quickly as possible to minimize inter-human transmission.

The University has already been working in the field of PEI chemistry and they have a local high-technology paint company, who has agreed to collaborate with them. Ideally, the university would like to use unmodified commercially available branched PEI. However, if this material is not suitable, then the researchers can prepare linear PEI or derivatives of linear or branched PEI for evaluation.

Further Details:

• Kampf, G. et al., J Hosp Infect2020, 104 (3), 246-251.
• Hoque, J. et al., ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces2019, Ahead of Print.
• Sinclair, T. R. et al., Colloids and Surfaces, A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects2018, 551, 33-41.
• Liu, H. et al., Biomacromolecules2015, 16 (1), 351-356.
• Hoque, J. et al., ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces2015, 7 (3), 1804-1815.
• Hayashi, K. et al., Archives of Virology2014, 159 (3), 425-435.
• Larson, A. M. et al., Pharmaceutical Research2013, 30 (1), 25-31.
• Spoden, G. A.et al., Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy2012, 56 (1), 75-82.
• Larson, A. M. et al., Biotechnology and Bioengineering2011, 108 (3), 720-723.
• Hsu, B. B. et al., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America2011, 108 (1), 61-66, S61/1-S61/2.
• Haldar, J. et al., Biotechnology Letters2008, 30 (3), 475-479.
• Haldar, J. et al., Nature Protocols2007, 2 (10), 2412-2417.
• Haldar, J. et al., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America2006, 103 (47), 17667-17671.

Stage of Development

The researchers can construct coatings for testing now.

Applications

Combatting the potential inter-human transfer of COVID-19 via high use surfaces (e.g., door handles).

Opportunity

The team will start with the preparation of coatings with commercially available branched PEI (of various molecular weight ranges). These coatings would then be tested for COVID-19 deactivation on surfaces by a collaborator (not yet designated). If necessary, the researchers would synthesize linear PEI or derivatives of linear or branched PEI for further testing and coating development.

The research team at the University of Minnesota Duluth is seeking:

• Collaborators who can evaluate viral longevity on coated surfaces
• Collaborators who can evaluate safety and toxicity of these compounds on humans and animals
• Potential commercialization partner to formulate these materials into coatings, paints, or apply them to plastics (eyewear and PPE) or fibers (face masks)