Persistence and control of viruses on fomites and environmental matrices

Viruses are ubiquitous, major biological entities and are persistent on fomites and environmental matrices. They can replicate within living cells and are released in the form of aerosols that cause disease outbreaks. Major routes of transmission of viruses include inhalation, consumption through food or viruses picked up from contaminated surfaces. Factors like viral structure, presence or absence of viral envelope, relative humidity, temperature, and gaseous content are the principal determinants of viral infectivity. Viruses can survive on environmental matrices and fomites for 1 day to 20 weeks, depending on the virus type. These viruses can be killed by using certain metals and their oxides like copper oxide, copper powder, antiviral alloy (zinc + copper), Zinc oxide nanostructures (Zn)-MNSs), Zinc ionophore Pyrithione, Titanium dioxide (TiO2) with Manganese, and magnesium ion. While few advances have been made to prevent fomite transmission, more effective methods are needed to reduce environmental transmission of viruses. Social distancing, hand hygiene, and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be practiced to prevent viral spread.