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. 2025 May 27;20(5):e0324484.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324484. eCollection 2025.

Antiviral potential of proton-type zeolite

Yuka Kimura  1 , Masanori Takemoto  1 , Noriko Nakamura  1   2   3 , Takeshi Ichinohe  4 , Makoto Nakakido  3   5   6 , Kenta Iyoki  1 , Seiichi Ohta  1   2   3 , Nobuhiro Miyamae  7 , Yuki Egami  7 , Koichi Sato  7 , Tatsuya Okubo  1 , Kouhei Tsumoto  3   5   6 , Toru Wakihara  1   2
Affiliations

Antiviral potential of proton-type zeolite

Yuka Kimura et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

This study reports the potent antiviral ability of proton-type zeolites without the aid of any metal cations. Antiviral activities of zeolites with different topologies and chemical compositions are investigated using M13 phage and influenza virus. Proton-type zeolites exhibit excellent antiviral activity, equivalent to 99% inactivated. Antiviral tests using a centricon device suggest that direct contact of viruses on the external surface of zeolites is required to inactivate the viruses. This discovery is of importance in an interdisciplinary research field covering both zeolite science and virological science and shed light on the possibility of the development of low-cost and environmentally friendly antiviral zeolites.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. (a) Antivirus activity of zeolites against M13 phage.
(b-d) TEM images of the original M13 phage and counterparts after the antivirus tests using 320NAA and 320HOA.
Fig 2
Fig 2. (a) Antivirus activity of zeolites against PR8.
(b-e) TEM images of the original PR8 and counterparts after the antivirus tests using 320NAA, 320HOA and 350HUA.
Fig 3
Fig 3. (a) Schematic of test container using centricon filter (Amicon, 3000 MW cut off).
(b) Antivirus activity of zeolites against M13 phage.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Effect of sample dose for antivirus activity against PR8 virus.
Fig 5
Fig 5. NH3-TPD profiles of zeolite samples used in the anti-virus activity test for PR8 virus.
Fig 6
Fig 6. pH of the reaction solutions containing different amounts of zeolites powder.
20 mL of 20 mM HEPES buffer was prepared in the centrifuge tube and followed by the addition of different amounts of zeolite. Before the measurement, each slurry was well-mixed by VORTEX mixer (Vortex-Genie 2, Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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