Structured Surfaces to Study Wetting Properties and Viral Particle Distributions to Inhibit Fomite Transmission of Pathogens (additional Corona-related funding)

Coronaviruses can be described as a type of complex nanoparticle, or soft matter. In the natural sciences, one speaks of soft matter in the case of condensed phases that can only be assigned to the physical states solid or liquid to a limited extent. The global response to COVID-19 has highlighted gaps in the soft matter knowledge base that can and must be addressed both in response to COVID-19 and to better prepare for future viruses and pandemics. In this project, the applicant focuses on the distribution of virus particles in aerosol droplets and the distribution properties of the particles after they have been deposited on a surface. Experimental approaches are combined with theoretical studies. In addition, the influence of the photocatalytic surface properties and the expected decrease in the viability of viruses when exposed to photocatalytically generated reactive oxygen species (so-called ROS) are investigated. Ms. Simmchen's group has developed a variety of photocatalytic microparticles and assembly methods to create active surfaces that can provide effective protection against surface-based spread.