Prevention of Fomite Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 with Copper Cold Spray Coatings

This review article contextualizes the way in which the antipathogenic properties and antimicrobial contact killing/ inactivating performance of copper cold spray coatings and consolidated material surfaces can be extended to the COVID-19 pandemic as a preventative measure. Specifically, literature is reviewed in terms of how copper cold spray coatings can be applied
to high-touch surfaces in biomedical as well as healthcare settings to prevent fomite transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through rapidly inactivating SARS-CoV-2 virions after infecting a surface. After providing an introduction that encapsulates a brief history of selfsanitizing surfaces and surface sterilization, a number of alternative antimicrobial coatings and materials that do not rely upon the oligodynamic properties of copper are detailed. Given the ongoing need for recognition of said alternative antimicrobial materials by authoritative agencies, such as the EPA, the relevant literature on copper-based antipathogenic coatings and surfaces are then detailed. Thereafter, a comprehensive take on antimicrobial copper cold spray coatings is provided. Particular attention is then given to the unique microstructurally mediated pathway of copper ion diffusion associated with copper cold spray coatings that enable fomite inactivation. This review is then concluded by way of situating the literature reviewed and the implications ascertained through such an analysis of the literature in terms of COVID-19 and how copper cold sprayed coatings can be readily utilized as a preventative measure against fomite transmission of SARS-CoV-2.