Soft matter science and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Soft Matter
; 16(36): 8310-8324, 2020 Sep 23.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32909024
ABSTRACT
Much of the science underpinning the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic lies in the soft matter domain. Coronaviruses are composite particles with a core of nucleic acids complexed to proteins surrounded by a protein-studded lipid bilayer shell. A dominant route for transmission is via air-borne aerosols and droplets. Viral interaction with polymeric body fluids, particularly mucus, and cell membranes controls their infectivity, while their interaction with skin and artificial surfaces underpins cleaning and disinfection and the efficacy of masks and other personal protective equipment. The global response to COVID-19 has highlighted gaps in the soft matter knowledge base. We survey these gaps, especially as pertaining to the transmission of the disease, and suggest questions that can (and need to) be tackled, both in response to COVID-19 and to better prepare for future viral pandemics.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Pneumonia Viral
/
Infecções por Coronavirus
/
Betacoronavirus
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Soft Matter
Ano de publicação:
2020
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Reino Unido