Low-Temperature Adaptive Single-Atom Iron Nanozymes against Viruses in the Cold Chain.

Abstract

Outbreaks of viral infectious diseases, such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza A virus (IAV), pose a great threat to human health. Viral spread is accelerated worldwide by the development of cold chain logistics; Therefore, an effective antiviral approach is required. In this study, it is aimed to develop a distinct antiviral strategy using nanozymes with low-temperature adaptability, suitable for cold chain logistics. Phosphorus (P) atoms are added to the remote counter position of Fe-N-C center to prepare FeN₄P₂-single-atom nanozymes (SAzymes), exhibiting lipid oxidase (OXD)-like activity at cold chain temperatures (-20, and 4 °C). This feature enables FeN₄P₂-SAzymes to disrupt multiple enveloped viruses (human, swine, and avian coronaviruses, and H1-H11 subtypes of IAV) by catalyzing lipid peroxidation of the viral lipid envelope. Under the simulated conditions of cold chain logistics, FeN₄P₂-SAzymes are successfully applied as antiviral coatings on outer packaging and personal protective equipment; Therefore, FeN₄P₂-SAzymes with low-temperature adaptability and broad-spectrum antiviral properties may serve as key materials for developing specific antiviral approaches to interrupt viral transmission through the cold chain.