Colloidal ZnAl-Layered\nDouble Hydroxide Nanomaterials\nfor Effective Prevention of SARS-CoV‑2

SARS-CoV-2 is a threat to global public health, which\nrequires\nthe development of safe measures to reduce the spread of this coronavirus.\nHerein, in this study, we prepared and examined potential antiviral\nagents based on ZnAl-layered double hydroxide (ZnAl-LDH) materials.\nZnAl-LDH-based samples were synthesized via a one-pot low-temperature\ncoprecipitation method, which features an ultrathin structure. The\nincorporation of trace amounts of Ag induces the formation of ZnO\nparticles on the ZnAl-LDH surface, where both ZnO and Ag enhance UV\nlight absorption. Interestingly, ZnAl-LDH-Ag shows a significantly\nhigh anticoronavirus effect upon exposure to the daylight lamp of\nthe operation console and ultraviolet light. Moreover, ZnAl-LDH and\nZnAl-LDH-Ag potently blocked the entry of SARS-CoV-2 pseudoparticles\nto cells. The in vivo biocompatibility experiment has demonstrated\nthat ZnAl-LDH-Ag is a potentially biocompatible and potent anti-SARS-CoV-2\nagent for virus prevention. The synergistic interactions between these\nnanoparticles continuously generate reactive oxygen species (ROS),\nleading to effective and sustained viral inactivation. This light-sensitive\nROS production introduces a photocatalytic inactivation mechanism\nin antiviral materials. Moreover, unlike conventional antiviral agents\nthat rapidly deplete their active components, the layered structure\nof this composite enables the controlled long-term release of antiviral\nradicals, enhancing its durability. ZnAl-LDH-Ag has been expected\nto be a promising solution for long-lasting antiviral applications.