Projects per year
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 control 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.
Original language | English |
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Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Soft Matter |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2 Sept 2020 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- cond-mat.soft
- physics.bio-ph
- physics.pop-ph
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Dive into the research topics of 'Soft matter science and the COVID-19 pandemic'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Finished
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The Physics of Bacteriophage-coated Antimicrobial Surfaces
Brown, A. (Principal Investigator)
4/06/18 → 30/09/22
Project: Research
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National Biofilms Innovation Centre
MacPhee, C. (Principal Investigator), Allen, R. (Co-investigator), Brown, A. (Co-investigator), Morozov, A. (Co-investigator), Poon, W. (Co-investigator), Waclaw, B. (Co-investigator) & Wood, T. (Co-investigator)
1/12/17 → 30/11/22
Project: Research