If there’s one thing we’ve realized over the past few years, it’s the dangers of respiratory viruses. Inhalable powders may help temporarily protect against them by working with the natural layers of mucus in the user’s lungs.
Our respiratory system is lined with a mucous membrane that continuously traps inhaled particles such as pollen, smoke, and to some extent viruses and bacteria. It is cleared from the respiratory tract when exiting.
Unfortunately, the virus often passes through that mucus layer and infects the underlying lung cells. Developed by scientists at North Carolina State University, this powder is in the form of microparticles composed of food-safe gelatin and poly(acrylic acid). ), combined with a non-toxic ester.
When administered via an inhaler and exposed to airway and lung moisture, the microparticles swell to form a sticky hydrogel that adheres to existing mucosal layers. This enhanced barrier is reportedly much more difficult for viruses to penetrate. no Negatively affects the respiratory process. Additionally, the gel is completely biodegradable and excreted from the body over her 48 hours.
In tests conducted in mice, SHIELD blocked the SARS-CoV-2 viral particles that cause Covid-19 with 75% efficiency 4 hours after inhalation, dropping to 18% after 24 hours. The powder was equally effective against H1N1 and pneumonia viruses.
When tested in monkeys that inhaled both the original SARS-CoV-2 variant and the Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant, animals pre-treated with powder had viral loads 50–300% higher than untreated controls. In addition, none of the treated monkeys showed signs of infection, such as fibrosis or lung inflammation, and the protective effect lasted eight hours.
“In situations where masking is difficult, such as during strenuous exercise, eating or drinking, and close social interactions, it acts like an ‘invisible mask,'” said Professor Ke Cheng, co-author of the study paper. said. “You can also use SHIELD on top of physical masking for added protection.”
The paper was recently published in the journal Natural materials.
Source: North Carolina State University
