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| Nissan develops new technology to disrupt the virus |
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Recently announced a collaboration with Tohoku University College of Pharmacy to develop a new virus inactivation technique using aerobic oxidation-stimulating agents.
The company explained that this technology can be used to disrupt the work of viruses by oxidizing proteins and other materials on their surfaces, changing their properties and destroying them. Catalytic species perform this function using the oxygen in the air, which forms the oxidizer, even in a dark environment at room temperature, without the need for irradiation, as is often the case with oxidation.
Nissan added that this technology will not only inactivate viruses, including the emerging corona virus, but will also eliminate pathogens such as fungi and bacteria. In the future, it can also be used as a basic antibacterial and antiviral material in air conditioner filters and air purifiers, as well as masks and medical clothing.
How does Nissan technology work?
This technology uses organic nitroxyl radical oxidation catalysts (radical catalysts) to oxidize organic compounds with a suitable catalyst that uses oxygen molecules in the surrounding air as the final oxidizer.
Studies on the effects of this technology have shown that oxoammonium salts, which are produced by free radical catalysts through aerobic oxidation, oxidize and disrupt the proteins on the surface of the virus, preventing them from attaching to target cells.
Manipulation of the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV2 protein (strain Omicron) severely restricted the protein's ability to bind to the receptor. Using feline coronavirus, an alternative virus to SARS-CoV2, its infective activity against feline kidney cells was evaluated and significant inhibition of infection-related cell morphological changes was observed.
The new technology was developed using Nissan's technology and expertise in vehicle development and Northeast Drug Development and Evaluation College, other pharmaceutical sciences, catalyst preparation and performance evaluation.
Free radical catalysts are used as additives in polymer base materials for automotive paint and in organic fibers and polymers for vehicle interiors and exteriors. Prevents photolysis reactions (such as cracking, embrittlement, and discoloration) over time. Nissan is researching and developing the use of free radical catalysts to inactivate viruses to take full advantage of their catalytic activity and contribute more to society.