RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Graphene oxide/silver nanoparticle ink formulations rapidly inhibit influenza A virus and OC43 coronavirus infection in vitro JF bioRxiv FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory SP 2021.02.25.432893 DO 10.1101/2021.02.25.432893 A1 Meredith J. Crane A1 Stephen Devine A1 Amanda M. Jamieson YR 2021 UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2021/02/26/2021.02.25.432893.abstract AB Respiratory tract infections present a significant risk to the human population, both through seasonal circulation and novel introductions with pandemic potential. There is a strong need for antiviral compounds with broad antimicrobial activity that can be coated onto filtration systems and personal protective equipment to augment their ability to remove infectious particles from the environment. Graphene oxide and silver nanoparticles are both materials with documented antimicrobial properties. Here, we tested the in vitro antiviral properties of several graphene oxide–silver nanoparticle composite materials, which were prepared through three different methods: reduction with silver salt, direct addition of silver nanospheres, and direct addition of silver nanospheres to thiolized graphene. These materials were tested over short time scales for their antiviral activity against two enveloped RNA viruses, influenza A virus and OC43 coronavirus, by performing viral plaque assays after exposure of the viruses to each material. It was found that the graphene oxide – silver nanoparticle materials generated by direct addition of the silver nanospheres were able to completely inhibit plaque formation by both viruses within one minute of exposure. Materials generated by the other two methods had varying levels of efficacy against influenza A virus. These studies indicate that graphene oxide-silver nanoparticle composite materials can rapidly neutralize RNA viruses and demonstrate their potential for use in a wide range of applications.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.AgNPsilver nanoparticleGOgraphene oxiderGOreduced graphene oxideIAVInfluenza A virusHCoVhuman coronavirusMDCKManin-Darby canine kidneyPPEpersonal protective equipmentLDHlactate dehydrogenase