Sulfate-functionalized graphene derivatives bearing covalently bound polyglycerol backbones mimics cell-surface heparan sulfate to bind and aggregate viruses. Infrared irradiation of the bound complex triggers rapid thermal inactivation.

Detailed Explanation

The invention provides two manufacturing routes to attach polyglycerol or polyglycerol azide onto single- or few-layer graphene via ring-opening polymerization (grafting from) or nitrene addition (‘grafting to’). Subsequent sulfation yields 2D multivalent architectures with tunable degree of functionalization (DF) and sulfation (DS). These graphene-polyglycerol sulfates bind virus particles via multivalent interaction with viral surface proteins, e.g., the poxviral A27 protein with heparin-binding domains, which is proved by multiple biological assays including ELISA, SPR, and plaque reduction assays. Infrared light (785 nm[1] ) exploits graphene’s photothermal effect to heat the complex above 90 °C, deactivating bound viruses. In vitro tests confirm potent inhibition of orthopoxviruses and herpesviruses. Modular tuning of DF and DS, combined with graphene’s high surface area, enables filter materials, mask superabsorbers, semisolid therapeutics, and diagnostic tools.

Key Innovation Features and Advantages

• Covalent polyglycerol sulfate functionalization enables robust multivalent binding to diverse viruses.
• Tunable degree of functionalization and sulfation customizes binding strength and selectivity.
• Photothermal inactivation via IR irradiation provides a non-chemical virus-destruction method.

4. Use Cases

• In vitro filtration systems for virus removal from water, liquids, and biological fluids.
• Integration into masks and respirators as superabsorber layers to trap and inactivate airborne viruses.
• Semisolid formulations (gels, creams) for topical antiviral treatment followed by IR-based thermal inactivation.

5. Commercial Opportunities

• Antiviral filtration membranes for municipal water treatment and hospital air handling.
• Next-generation personal protective equipment with built-in virus-neutralizing layers.
• Diagnostic filters and therapeutics that bind and inactivate viruses in blood or gastrointestinal fluids.

6. Current Status

Application EP3283081A1 is filed and describes in vitro validation against orthopox and herpesviruses. Scale-up manufacturing and in vivo efficacy studies are underway.