Virus traps

摘要

Specific applications of particles and particle agglomerates with semiconductor surfaces are provided. The particles and particle agglomerates display a high affinity for viral particles, and may be used therapeutically and/or prophylactically to treat or prevent viral infections. The particles and particle agglomerates may also be used to remove viral particles from a surface or fluid, e.g., as an absorbent in a filter, applied to surfaces to render them virostatic, and as tool to handle viral particles, e.g., for research, diagnostic, or decontamination purposes.

主权项

1. A method for binding viral particles comprising contacting a viral particle comprising contacting a viral particle with a particle or particle agglomerate comprising a metal oxide semiconductor surface and a plurality of polar defect sites, wherein the surface of the surface to volume ratio of the particle or particle agglomerate is larger than that of a spherical particle of the same volume, and wherein the largest cross sectional length of the particle or particle agglomerate ranges from about 100 nm to about 30 μm, and wherein the particle or particle agglomerate does not significantly impair cell viability at concentrations up to 500 μg/ml.