Why does SARS-CoV-2 survive longer on plastic than on paper?

Med Hypotheses. 2021 Jan:146:110429. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110429. Epub 2020 Nov 28.

Abstract

The Covid-19 coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is inactivated much faster on paper (3 h) than on plastic (7 d). By classifying materials according to virus stability on their surface, the following list is obtained (from long to short stability): polypropylene (mask), plastic, glass, stainless steel, pig skin, cardboard, banknote, cotton, wood, paper, tissue, copper. These observations and other studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2 may be inactivated by dryness on water absorbent porous materials but sheltered by long-persisting micro-droplets of water on waterproof surfaces. If such physical phenomenons were confirmed by direct evidence, the persistence of the virus on any surface could be predicted, and new porous objects could be designed to eliminate the virus faster.

Keywords: Coronavirus; Enveloped virus; Inactivation; Mechanisms; Persistence; Surface.

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Animals
  • COVID-19 / transmission
  • COVID-19 / virology*
  • Dehydration
  • Fomites / virology*
  • Humans
  • Humidity
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Models, Biological*
  • Paper*
  • Plastics* / chemistry
  • Porosity
  • SARS-CoV-2 / isolation & purification
  • SARS-CoV-2 / pathogenicity
  • SARS-CoV-2 / physiology*
  • Surface Properties
  • Swine
  • Virus Inactivation
  • Water

Substances

  • Plastics
  • Water