Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and Diverse RNA and DNA Viruses on 3D Printed Surgical Mask Materials

• Published in: Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology p. 1
• Main Authors: Welch, Jennifer L, Xiang, Jinhua, Mackin, Samantha R, Perlman, Stanley, Thorne, Peter, Patrick O’Shaughnessy, Strzelecki, Brian, Aubin, Patrick, Ortiz-Hernandez, Monica, Stapleton, Jack T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge Cambridge University Press 12.08.2020
• DOI: 10.1017/ice.2020.417

Background: Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a critical need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alternative sources of surgical masks, including 3D-printed approaches that may be reused, are urgently needed to prevent PPE shortages. Few data exist identifying decontamination strategies to inactivate viral pathogens and retain 3D-printing material integrity. Objective of Study: Test viral disinfection methods on 3D-printing materials. Methods: The virucidal activity of common disinfectants (10% bleach, quaternary ammonium sanitizer, 3% hydrogen peroxide, or 70% isopropanol and exposure to heat (50oC, and 70oC) were tested on four 3D-printed materials used in the healthcare setting, including one used in a surgical mask design developed by the Veterans Health Administration. Inactivation was assessed for several clinically relevant RNA and DNA pathogenic viruses including SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1. Results: SARS-CoV-2 and all viruses tested were completely inactivated by a single application of bleach, ammonium quaternary compounds, or hydrogen peroxide. Similarly, exposure to dry heat (70oC) for 30 minutes completely inactivated all viruses tested. In contrast, 70% isopropanol reduced viral titers significantly less well following a single application. Inactivation did not interfere with material integrity of the 3D-printed materials. Conclusions: Several standard decontamination approaches effectively disinfected 3D-printed materials. These approaches were effective in the inactivation SARS-CoV-2, its surrogates and other clinically relevant viral pathogens. The decontamination of 3D printed surgical mask materials may be useful during crisis situations where surgical mask supplies are limited.