Antiviral dry cleaning process

Abstract

Provided herein is a method for treating material contaminated with a virus, the method comprising exposing the material to steam, wherein the steam is generated by heating and / or evaporating a dry cleaning solvent, and wherein the method at least partially inactivates the virus.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 171,362 filed on April 6, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 021,788 filed on May 8, 2020. The entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] Viruses are ultramicroscopic infectious agents that replicate only within the living cells of organisms. Many viruses evade immune responses from animals and humans, leading to chronic infections. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is not the same as coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illnesses like the common cold. While it remains unclear how long SARS-CoV-2 can survive on clothing, experts recommend taking care when washing clothes and other materials to help control the transmission of the virus.

[0003] The need for proper handling of clothing, household textiles, and personal protective equipment remains in order to safely remove the virus. [Overview of the project]

[0004] A method for processing material contaminated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus or a variant thereof is provided herein, comprising exposing the material to vapor, heat, and a dry cleaning solvent, wherein the vapor is produced by heating and / or evaporating the dry cleaning solvent, and the method at least partially inactivates the virus.

[0005] In embodiments of this method, the material is exposed to heat, vapor, and dry cleaning solvent during the washing cycle of the dry cleaning process, during the drying cycle of the dry cleaning process, or a combination of both. In another embodiment of this method, the material and dry cleaning solvent are added to the chamber of the dry cleaning machine.

[0006] In one embodiment of this method, vapor is generated during the evaporation process, and the liquid is converted to a gas. In another embodiment of this method, the evaporation process is carried out, and the liquid is converted to a gas by the application of heat. In yet another embodiment of this method, the evaporation process is carried out, and the liquid is converted to a gas by the application of pressure.

[0007] In embodiments of this method, steam is generated as part of the dry cleaning process. Steam can be generated during the drying cycle of the dry cleaning process or during the washing cycle of the dry cleaning process. In embodiments of this method, the steam reaches a temperature of at least 70°C. In another embodiment of this method, the dry cleaning chamber is heated to a temperature of 70°C to 85°C.

[0008] In yet another embodiment of this method, this method is a) Expose the material to a dry cleaning solvent, and then, b) Heating the dry cleaning solvent to form vapor. Includes.

[0009] In this embodiment of the method, the dry cleaning solvent further contains water, and the vapor is generated by heating the dry cleaning solvent and water.

[0010] In this embodiment of the method, the material is exposed to steam for 3 to 75 minutes.

[0011] In embodiments of this method, the material is cloth. In further embodiments, the cloth is clothing or household textiles. In yet another embodiment, the material comprises polypropylene fibers.

[0012] In embodiments of this method, steam is generated as part of the dry cleaning process. In further embodiments, steam is generated during the drying cycle of the dry cleaning process. In yet another embodiment, steam is generated during the washing cycle of the dry cleaning process. In embodiments, the steam reaches a temperature of at least 70°C. In another embodiment of this method, the dry cleaning chamber is heated to a temperature of 70°C to 85°C.

[0013] In the embodiment, the dry cleaning solvent has a flash point of at least 60°C. In the embodiment, the material is exposed to vapor for 3 to 75 minutes. In the embodiment, the vapor is produced by heating and / or evaporating the dry cleaning solvent and water.

[0014] In one embodiment, the virus has a lipid-containing coating, and this method destroys this lipid-containing coating. In another embodiment, the vapor contains submicron-sized liquid particles of solvent that penetrate the lipid coating of the virus. In yet another embodiment, the virus has a lipid-containing coating or a lipid-containing envelope, and this method destroys or disintegrates this lipid-containing coating. In yet another embodiment, the vapor contains submicron-sized liquid particles of solvent that penetrate the lipid-containing coating of the virus.

[0015] In some embodiments, the vapor is generated by heating and / or evaporating a dry cleaning solvent and water. In further embodiments, the vapor contains submicron-sized liquid particles of the solvent that penetrate the lipid-containing coating of the virus.

[0016] In embodiments of this method, the dry cleaning solvent is a siloxane-based solvent. In further embodiments of this method, the siloxane-based solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), octamethyltetracyclosiloxane, or dodecamethylhexacyclosiloxane. In yet another embodiment of this method, the siloxane-based solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5).

[0017] In another embodiment of this method, steam is generated in a rotating drum in which the material is rolled so that the steam comes into contact with the material. In yet another embodiment of this method, steam is injected into the rotating drum at a pressure of 0.5 psi to 1000 psi.

[0018] In yet another embodiment of this method, the fabric is clothing or household textile products. In yet another embodiment of this method, the material includes wool, polyester and / or polyester blended fibers. In yet another embodiment of this method, the material includes cotton, linen, wool, rayon, polyester, acrylic, silk, or nylon, or blends thereof.

[0019] In another embodiment, a method for processing material contaminated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus or a variant thereof is provided herein, comprising exposing the material to a dry cleaning solvent, followed by a drying step at 45°C to 85°C where the solvent is removed, wherein the method at least partially inactivates the virus.

[0020] In some embodiments, this method is part of a dry cleaning process.

[0021] In this embodiment of the method, the drying cycle is performed over a period of 3 to 75 minutes.

[0022] In an embodiment of the method, the dry cleaning solvent is a siloxane-based solvent. In a further embodiment, the siloxane-based solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), octamethyltetracyclosiloxane, or dodecamethylhexacyclosiloxane. In a preferred embodiment, the siloxane-based solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5).

[0023] In another embodiment of the method, the material is cloth. In another embodiment of the method, the cloth is a clothing item or a household textile. In another embodiment of the method, the material comprises wool, polyester and / or polyester blend fibers. In yet another embodiment of the method, the material comprises cotton, linen, wool, rayon, polyester, acrylic, silk, or nylon, or blends thereof. In another embodiment, the material can also comprise polypropylene fibers. In yet another embodiment, the material comprises natural leather.

[0024] In another aspect, provided herein is a method of treating a material contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 or a variant thereof, the method comprising exposing the material to vapor, the vapor being generated by heating and / or evaporating a dry cleaning solvent, the method at least partially inactivating the virus.

[0025] In yet another aspect, provided herein is a method of treating a material contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 or a variant thereof, the method comprising exposing the material to heat and a dry cleaning solvent, the method at least partially inactivating the virus.

[0026] In another embodiment, the vapor is generated within a rotating drum that rolls the material so that the vapor contacts the material. In an embodiment, the material is identified as being contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 or is a material that may be contaminated with SARS-CoV-2. In yet another embodiment, the vapor is injected into the rotating drum at a pressure of 0.5 psi to 1000 psi. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1] A diagram of the test system is shown. [Figure 2] This shows the reduction effectiveness of each of the simulated dry cleaning process and the entire process in deactivating SARS-CoV-2 infected wool blend fabrics, relative to several hundredths. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Methods for treating materials contaminated with viruses are provided herein. The material may be cloth, such as clothing or household textiles such as blankets, towels, or tablecloths. The material may also be clothing, linens, sheets, blankets, rugs, carpets, drapes, coats, and mixtures thereof. In other embodiments, the material is any article made of cloth. In other embodiments, the material is any article made of natural leather.

[0029] In the embodiment, the material is a material that has been identified as being contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 or that may be contaminated with SARS-CoV-2.

[0030] In embodiments, the method relies on vapor introduced into the material to inactivate the virus. If necessary, the vapor is generated at a specific temperature and / or pressure. The vapor can be exposed to the material as part of a dry cleaning process. The vapor source may be a solvent, such as a dry cleaning solvent like D5. The vapor can be generated during one or more cycles of the dry cleaning process, such as a wash cycle or a dry cycle. The vapor source may also be water, generating water vapor alone or in combination with a dry cleaning solvent.

[0031] Accordingly, in embodiments, methods for treating materials contaminated with a virus are provided herein, comprising exposing the material to vapor, heat, and a dry cleaning solvent. In embodiments, the virus is SARS-CoV-2 or a variant thereof. Vapor can be produced by heating and / or evaporating a dry cleaning solvent. Vapor, heat, and the dry cleaning solvent can be exposed to the material as part of a dry cleaning process. In embodiments, the dry cleaning solvent is D5. The vapor source can be a solvent, such as a dry cleaning solvent such as D5. Vapor can be produced during one or more cycles of a dry cleaning process, such as a wash cycle or a dry cycle of a dry cleaning process. The vapor source can also be water, which produces water vapor alone or in combination with a dry cleaning solvent.

[0032] Accordingly, in embodiments, a method for processing a material contaminated with a virus is provided herein, comprising exposing the material to heat and a dry cleaning solvent. In embodiments, the virus is SARS-CoV-2 or a variant thereof. Heat and a dry cleaning solvent can be used to expose the material as part of a dry cleaning process. In embodiments, the dry cleaning solvent is D5. The material can be exposed to heat during one or more cycles of the dry cleaning process, such as a wash cycle or a dry cycle of the dry cleaning process.

[0033] The material may be cloth, such as clothing or household textiles, including garments, linens, sheets, blankets, rugs, carpets, drapes, coats, and mixtures thereof. The material may also include polypropylene fibers, which can be found in personal protective equipment such as N95 masks. The material may also include wool, polyester, and / or polyester blends.

[0034] The materials include cotton, linen, wool, rayon, polyester, acrylic, silk, or nylon, or blends thereof.

[0035] In other embodiments, the material is any article made of a fabric composed of wool. In other embodiments, the material is any article made of a fabric composed of polyester. In other embodiments, the material is any article made of a fabric composed of polyester and wool. In other embodiments, the material is any article made of a fabric composed of a polyester blend. In yet another embodiment, the fabric is composed of a combination of wool, polyester and / or a polyester blend.

[0036] As used herein, “COVID-19” refers to the infectious disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants. Also known as Covid-19, COVID-19 is a viral disease that caused a global pandemic originating in Wuhan, China in December 2019. COVID-19 is characterized by a wide range of symptoms, from asymptomatic to life-threatening. Severe cases typically involve increased susceptibility to respiratory infections and / or cardiovascular collapse, which can lead to multiple organ failure and / or death.

[0037] As used herein, “inactivating a virus” means reducing the ability of a virus to infect host cells and / or replicate within host cells. In some embodiments, “inactivating a virus” means reducing the ability of a virus to cause disease in a subject. In some embodiments, “inactivating a virus” means reducing the ability of a virus to cause severe disease in a subject in which the severe disease is characterized by respiratory failure or insufficiency and / or cardiovascular failure or insufficiency. For example, but not limited to, destruction or breakdown of a virus’s lipid coating or lipid envelope results in viral inactivation. SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped virus surrounded by a lipid bilayer.

[0038] Viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 or its variants can be inactivated by at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100%.

[0039] As used herein, “host cell” refers to any cell capable of being infected with a virus. In certain embodiments, the host cell is a naturally occurring mammalian cell. In certain embodiments, the host cell is part of a cell line. In certain embodiments, the host cell is a mammalian cell modified to be capable of being infected with a virus. In certain embodiments, the host cell is the cell of interest.

[0040] As used herein, “Subject” refers to a mammal. In certain embodiments, the subject is selected from the group consisting of mice, rats, bats, guinea pigs, rabbits, cats, dogs, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, cattle, non-human primates, and humans. In certain embodiments, the subject is a human.

[0041] In one embodiment, viruses such as coronavirus are inactivated during a standard dry cleaning process using a water-containing or water-free solvent, in which vapor containing the solvent and / or water is introduced into the system at the temperature and / or pressure described herein. In another embodiment, viruses such as coronavirus are inactivated by vapor generated from a dry cleaning solvent such as D5 during either the washing or drying cycle. In one embodiment, the dry cleaning solvent vapor does not contain water vapor from water. In another embodiment, the dry cleaning solvent vapor includes D5 and water vapor from water. In yet another embodiment, the vapor is water vapor from water, and the vapor does not contain any dry cleaning solvent. In another embodiment, viruses such as coronavirus are inactivated by a dry cleaning solvent such as D5 during either the washing or drying cycle. In another embodiment, viruses such as coronavirus are inactivated by heat and a dry cleaning solvent such as D5 during either the washing or drying cycle.

[0042] Accordingly, a method for treating a material contaminated with a virus is provided herein, comprising exposing the material to vapor, the vapor being produced by heating and / or evaporating a dry cleaning solvent, and the method at least partially inactivating the virus. The material may be a cloth, such as clothing or household textiles, such as garments, linens, sheets, blankets, rugs, carpets, drapes, coats, and mixtures thereof. The material may also include polypropylene fibers, which can be found in personal protective equipment such as N95 masks. The material may also include wool, polyester and / or polyester blend fibers.

[0043] In the embodiment, the material is a material that has been identified as being contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 or that may be contaminated with SARS-CoV-2.

[0044] In one embodiment, viruses such as coronavirus are inactivated during a standard dry cleaning process using heat and a dry cleaning solvent, in which the material is exposed to a dry cloning solvent at the temperature and / or pressure described herein. In another embodiment, viruses such as coronavirus are inactivated with a dry cleaning solvent such as D5 during either a wash cycle or a dry cycle. In yet another embodiment, the dry cleaning solvent comprises D5 and water.

[0045] A method for treating a material contaminated with a virus, comprising exposing the material to heat and a dry cleaning solvent, is provided herein for at least partially inactivating the virus. The material may be a cloth, such as clothing or household textiles, such as garments, linens, sheets, blankets, rugs, carpets, drapes, coats, and mixtures thereof. The material may also include polypropylene fibers, which can be found in personal protective equipment such as N95 masks. The material may also include cotton, linen, wool, rayon, polyester, acrylic, silk, or nylon, or blends thereof.

[0046] In one embodiment, viruses such as coronavirus are inactivated during a standard dry cleaning process using vapor, heat, and a dry cleaning solvent, in which the material is exposed to a dry cloning solvent at the temperature and / or pressure described herein. In another embodiment, vapor is introduced into the system at the temperature and / or pressure described herein. In another embodiment, viruses such as coronavirus are inactivated with a dry cleaning solvent such as D5 during either the washing or drying cycle. In another embodiment, the dry cleaning solvent comprises D5 and water. In another embodiment, viruses such as coronavirus are inactivated with vapor generated from a dry cleaning solvent such as D5 during either the washing or drying cycle. In one embodiment, the dry cleaning solvent vapor does not contain water vapor from water. In another embodiment, the dry cleaning solvent vapor comprises D5 and water vapor from water. In yet another embodiment, the vapor is water vapor from water, and the vapor does not contain any dry cleaning solvent.

[0047] A method for treating a material contaminated with a virus is provided herein, comprising exposing the material to vapor, heat and a dry cleaning solvent, wherein the method at least partially inactivates the virus. The material may be a cloth, such as clothing or household textiles, such as garments, linens, sheets, blankets, rugs, carpets, drapes, coats, and mixtures thereof. The material may also include polypropylene fibers, which can be found in personal protective equipment such as N95 masks. The material may also include cotton, linen, wool, rayon, polyester, acrylic, silk, or nylon, or blends thereof.

[0048] The methods provided herein can be used to treat any number of viruses. Viruses that can be treated by the methods disclosed herein include, for example, adenoviruses, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, enteroviruses, hepatitis viruses, and polioviruses. In one embodiment, the virus is a coronavirus. In another embodiment, the virus has a lipid-containing coating, and the method destroys or disintegrates this lipid-containing coating.

[0049] In a non-limiting embodiment, the fabric, such as clothing or household textiles, is placed in a washing chamber or extraction chamber (referred to as a "basket" or "drum") that constitutes the central part of the machine. The washing chamber comprises a perforated drum that rotates within an outer shell. While the rotating drum holds the load of clothing, the outer shell holds the solvent.

[0050] In aspects, a method for treating material contaminated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus or a variant thereof is provided herein, comprising exposing the material to vapor, heat, and D5, wherein the vapor is produced by heating and / or evaporating the D5, and the method at least partially inactivates the virus.

[0051] Dry cleaning process In embodiments, the dry cleaning process includes elements of a normal dry cleaning process, with an additional step of inactivating a virus. In embodiments, the virus is SARS-CoV-2 or a variant thereof. The dry cleaning process is carried out over two cycles, namely a washing cycle and a drying cycle. Virus inactivation can be performed in the washing cycle, the drying cycle, or both cycles. Each cycle is carried out by combining several steps. Each step can be customized to produce the desired result. The dry cleaning machine can perform various processes depending on the type of clothing or fabric to be cleaned.

[0052] The first cycle is the washing cycle. During the washing cycle, the chamber is partially filled with a solvent to wet the garments, and the chamber begins to rotate. The rotation agitates the garments or other fabrics to be cleaned. In some embodiments, the solvent temperature may be the ambient temperature. In other embodiments, the solvent temperature may be controlled by raising or lowering the temperature as needed. During the washing step, the solvent in the chamber circulates out of the chamber and then returns to the chamber, saturating the garments or other fabrics. In other embodiments, the solvent passes through a filter before returning to the chamber. In other embodiments, the solvent filter is bypassed for a given time before the filter is used. This process is known as the washing step and continues for the duration of washing. In other embodiments, the solvent is then removed and sent to a distillation unit consisting of a distillation chamber and a concentrator. The concentrated solvent is supplied to a separation unit where water in the solvent is separated from the solvent. The remaining solvent is then supplied to a "clean solvent" tank. In other embodiments, the solvent is then removed and returned to a holding tank.

[0053] A typical cleaning step lasts for a number of minutes, as described herein. In addition to the dry cleaning solvent, dry cleaning soap or other cleaning aids may also be added.

[0054] In one embodiment, virus inactivation is incorporated into the washing cycle. Virus inactivation consists of steam introduced into the chamber while the clothes are rolling. The steam is composed of a silicone fluid. The steam can be produced externally and introduced into the chamber. The steam can also be produced by a fluid already present in the chamber.

[0055] In one embodiment, the garment is saturated with a silicone fluid and then heated. The fluid evaporates, and the garment is rolled in its presence. This is called the steam step. The steam step lasts for a predetermined time. The steam step may occur before, during, or after the washing step. In another embodiment, the steam step replaces the washing step.

[0056] At the end of the washing step, the machine may initiate a rinsing step in which the cloth is rinsed with a freshly distilled or filtered solvent dispensed from one of the solvent tanks. This process is known as the "second bath" or "rinsing step." In some embodiments, the steaming step is performed during the rinsing step. In other embodiments, the steaming step is performed after the rinsing step.

[0057] After the rinsing step, the machine initiates an extraction step to extract some of the solvent remaining in the garment or other fabric via centrifugal force. Modern machines can recover most of the solvent used. The extraction step is initiated by draining the solvent from the washing chamber and accelerating the basket from 40 rpm to 1000 rpm, spinning and releasing most of the solvent from the fabric. In some embodiments, extraction is performed at a single speed. In other embodiments, extraction is performed at multiple speeds over a series of steps. After extraction, the machine initiates a drying cycle.

[0058] The drying cycle consists of two steps. The first step is the drying step. During the drying step, the garments are rolled in a stream of warm air circulating through a basket. The air temperature is controlled to the desired temperature. Any remaining solvent in the garments or fabrics evaporates in the warm air. The warm air exhaust is then drawn onto a cooling evaporator, which is cooler than the airflow, and the solvent is concentrated. The concentrated solvent is then supplied to a separation unit where water in the solvent is separated from the solvent. The remaining solvent is then supplied to a retention tank for reuse. Modern dry cleaning machines employ a closed-loop system in which cooled air is reheated and recirculated. This results in a high solvent recovery rate and reduced air emissions.

[0059] After the drying step is complete, the cool-down step begins. In this step, the heat dissipates, allowing air to continue passing through the basket and then over the cooling evaporator. The cool air then returns to the basket, further cooling the basket and the clothes inside. This has the effect of lowering the air temperature inside the basket until the desired temperature is reached. Lower temperatures reduce wrinkles and allow workers to handle the finished clothes safely.

[0060] In embodiments, the steam step is incorporated into the drying cycle. The steam step can be performed before, during, or after the drying step. The steam step can also be performed before, during, or after the cool-down step. In embodiments, the garments are gently extracted after the washing cycle. Light extraction can be performed by utilizing a low or high extraction rate for a short period of time. The drying step begins, and the garments are heated. Once the garments reach a sufficient temperature, the movement of air in the basket is temporarily stopped, allowing the steam to remain in contact with the garments for a longer period. The garments are rolled in the steam to facilitate contact with a large amount of steam. After a sufficient amount of time, the drying step returns to maximum air circulation. In one embodiment, the garments undergo extraction once more before the drying step is restarted. Multiple steam steps may exist within the drying cycle.

[0061] After the cool-down step, the drying cycle is complete, and thus the dry cleaning process is finished. After the dry cleaning process, the garments are clean and ready for pressing and finishing.

[0062] While virus inactivation is typically incorporated into standard dry cleaning processes, in some embodiments, virus inactivation can be performed in the absence of a dry cleaning process. For example, garments can be passed through steam and then dried in a continuous process. In one embodiment, virus-contaminated material is treated by a system and method for dry cleaning articles using a dry cleaning solvent.

[0063] In an embodiment, the material and dry cleaning solvent are placed in a chamber. The material is washed for a given time with or without filtration, or in a stepwise combination. In an embodiment, a portion of the dry cleaning solvent is extracted by accelerating the chamber at a given speed for a given time. In an embodiment, the chamber is accelerated at a lower, given speed and heated until a given temperature is reached. In an embodiment, the heating is stopped and vapor is formed so that it surrounds and passes over the material. In a further embodiment, this step continues for a given period of time, after which the chamber is accelerated to a given speed to remove the remaining solvent from the material.

[0064] Accordingly, a method for processing a material contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 is provided herein, comprising exposing the material to vapor, heat, and a dry cleaning solvent. In embodiments, the material is exposed to a dry cleaning solvent such as D5. This step may be referred to as a “washing cycle” and may also be carried out in a dry cleaning machine chamber. The exposure may be carried out for any duration described herein. A portion of the dry cleaning solvent may then be optionally removed, for example, by extraction. The material and the dry cleaning solvent are then heated to any of the temperatures described herein so that dry cleaning solvent vapor is present around and passing through the material. This step may be referred to as a “drying cycle.” This step may also be carried out in a dry cleaning machine chamber. The material is exposed to vapor for any duration described herein. The solvent and vapor may then be removed. This process inactivates SARS-CoV-2. In embodiments of this method, the dry cleaning chamber is at a temperature of 0°C to 85°C. In another embodiment of this method, the dry cleaning chamber is heated to a temperature of 70°C to 85°C. In yet another embodiment of this method, the dry cleaning chamber is heated to a temperature of 70°C to 85°C. In yet another embodiment of this method, the dry cleaning chamber is heated to a temperature of 70°C. These temperatures may occur during the washing cycle, the drying cycle, or both.

[0065] The dry cleaning process can be carried out in any number of dry cleaning machines. Such machines are described in U.S. Patents 8,613,804 and 8,123,819, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0066] Useful dry cleaning solvents as used herein include any hydrocarbon and any hydrocarbon blended with other chemicals. In addition, solvents used in the methods of the present invention may include organosilicones, i.e., organic / inorganic composite solvents. Useful organosilicones as used herein include cyclic siloxanes and linear siloxanes. The chemical characteristics of these cyclic and linear siloxanes enable the dry cleaning systems according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention to operate without reliance on distillation.

[0067] Any suitable cyclic or linear siloxane, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 6,042,618 (whose full contents are incorporated herein by reference), can be used in conjunction with the present invention. Of these siloxanes, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, a pentamer commonly referred to as D5, is particularly preferred.

[0068] In some embodiments, the dry cleaning solvent is a siloxane-based solvent. In some embodiments, the siloxane-based solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), octamethyltetracyclosiloxane, or dodecamethylhexacyclosiloxane. In yet another embodiment, the siloxane-based solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5).

[0069] In one embodiment, the dry cleaning solvent has a flash point of at least 43°C, 49°C, 54°C, 60°C, 66°C, 71°C, or 77°C. In another embodiment, the flash point is 54°C to 66°C. In yet another embodiment, the flash point is 57°C to 63°C. In yet another embodiment, the flash point is at least 60°C. In yet another embodiment, the flash point is 77°C.

[0070] In one embodiment, the material is exposed to steam for 3 to 75 minutes, 10 to 70 minutes, 15 to 65 minutes, 20 to 60 minutes, 25 to 55 minutes, 30 to 50 minutes, or 35 to 45 minutes. In another embodiment, the material is exposed to steam for 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, or 75 minutes. In this method, the steam reaches a temperature of at least 50°C, at least 55°C, at least 60°C, at least 65°C, at least 70°C, at least 75°C, at least 80°C, at least 85°C, or at least 90°C. The steam can reach a temperature of 50°C to 90°C, 55°C to 85°C, 60°C to 80°C, 65°C to 75°C, or 68°C to 72°C.

[0071] In one embodiment, the material is exposed to a dry cleaning solvent for 3 to 75 minutes, 5 to 75 minutes, 10 to 70 minutes, 15 to 65 minutes, 20 to 60 minutes, 25 to 55 minutes, 30 to 50 minutes, or 35 to 45 minutes. In another embodiment, the material is exposed to a dry cleaning solvent for 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, or 75 minutes.

[0072] In this method, the dry cleaning solvent reaches a temperature of at least 50°C, at least 55°C, at least 60°C, at least 65°C, or at least 70°C. The drying solvent can reach a temperature of 50°C to 90°C, 55°C to 85°C, 60°C to 80°C or higher, 65°C to 75°C, or 68°C to 72°C. In embodiments of the method provided herein, vapor is generated as part of the dry cleaning process. In embodiments of this method, vapor is generated during the drying cycle of the dry cleaning process. In other embodiments, vapor is generated during the washing cycle of the dry cleaning process.

[0073] Steam is generated in a rotating drum that rolls the material so that the steam comes into contact with it. The steam can be introduced into the rotating drum at an appropriate pressure, such as 0.5 psi to 1000 psi, including 70 psi, 80 psi, 90 psi, 100 psi, 110 psi, 120 psi, 130 psi, 140 psi, 150 psi, 160 psi, 170 psi, 180 psi, 190 psi, 200 psi, 210 psi, or 220 psi.

[0074] In an embodiment of this method, the dry cleaning rotating drum or chamber is at a temperature of 0°C to 85°C. In another embodiment of this method, the dry cleaning rotating drum or chamber is heated to a temperature of 70°C to 85°C. In yet another embodiment of this method, the dry cleaning rotating drum or chamber is heated to a temperature of 70°C to 85°C. In yet another embodiment of this method, the dry cleaning rotating drum or chamber is heated to a temperature of 70°C. These temperatures may occur during the washing cycle, the drying cycle, or both.

[0075] In embodiments of the methods provided herein, 100%, 99%, 98%, 97%, 96%, 95%, 94%, 93%, 92%, 91%, 90%, 89%, 88%, 87%, 86%, 85%, 84%, 83%, 82%, 81%, 80%, 79%, 78%, 77%, 76%, 75%, 74%, 73%, 72%, 71%, 70%, 69%, 68%, 67%, 66%, 65%, 64%, 63%, 62%, 61%, and 60% of the virus are inactivated.

[0076] In some embodiments, the methods provided herein reduce the amount of virus on a material. In other embodiments, the amount of virus is reduced by 100%, 99%, 98%, 97%, 96%, 95%, 94%, 93%, 92%, 91%, 90%, 89%, 88%, 87%, 86%, 85%, 84%, 83%, 82%, 81%, 80%, 79%, 78%, 77%, 76%, 75%, 74%, 73%, 72%, 71%, 70%, 69%, 68%, 67%, 66%, 65%, 64%, 63%, 62%, 61%, and 60%.

[0077] The term "evaporation" refers to the process of converting or transforming something into vapor.

[0078] experiment I. Purpose The urgent threat of COVID-19 infection caused by SARS-CoV-2, and the associated high transmission rates, severe illness, and deaths, has generated a response necessary for the rapid development and evaluation of effective countermeasures. Testing and evaluation were conducted in a modified dry cleaning process in simulated tests on SARS-CoV-2 contaminated fabrics. Dry cleaning fluids, dry cleaning heat, wash and spin cycles, and enhancement of the vapor effect during simulated wash and dry cycles in the drying process were evaluated in independent tests to measure their effectiveness in destroying SARS-CoV-2.

[0079] II.Equipment 1. A heating cabinet equipped with a heat source, a recirculation fan, a drying trivet, and a steam exposure manifold. 2. Omega digital temperature monitor with K-type thermocouple 3. SKC vapor diffusion cell with temperature-controlled heat block 4. Omega Digital Flow Meter and Flow Control Device 5. Beckman centrifugal separator and vortex machine 6. Electric Tumbler

[0080] III. Method - Description of the Examination The tested cleaning solution is a silicone-based, environmentally friendly, non-toxic, hazardless, and extremely mild alternative to petrochemicals. The silicone-based solution is used as a medium in the dry cleaning process. The silicone medium provides a sustainable alternative to conventional cleaning, reducing the amount of water and energy required. This test evaluated the effectiveness of the silicone-based solution in SARS-CoV-2 decontamination of garment materials in a simulated dry cleaning trial.

[0081] The test fabric consisted of a blend of 71% wool, 25% polyester, and 4% polyester woven in a dense material. The silicone consisted of pure decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (100% D5). The solution (100%, D5) had a high flash point (77°C) and a low surface tension (17.42 dynes / cm²). 2 ) has the properties of providing evaporation and penetration through the fabric material during the dry cleaning process.

[0082] Tests were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of specific dry cleaning solutions (100% D5) at each individual dry cleaning process step, as well as the overall dry cleaning process, in destroying SARS-CoV-2 contaminated fabrics.

[0083] The logarithmic reduction effect of the dry cleaning process was tested against the enveloped virus (SARS-CoV-2) strain USA-WA1 / 2020. The complete genome of USA-WA1 / 2020 has already been sequenced. The isolate was GenBank:MN985325, and the strain after one passage in Vero cells was GenBank:MT020880. The complete genome of SARS-CoV-2 strain USA-WA1 / 2020 was sequenced after four passages in collaboration with the Database for Reference Grade Microbial Sequence (FDA-ARGOS) (GenBank:MT246667). Each vial used in the study contained approximately 0.5 mL of cell lysate and supernatant from Cercopithecus aethiops renal cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 isolate USA-WA1 / 2020.

[0084] A modified and utilized dry cleaning process in a biological level 3 laboratory environment with controlled temperature and humidity. The tests involved SARS-CoV-2 inoculated wool blend fabric specimens with 100% D5 solution washing medium added, and fabric specimens without washing aids, dry cleaning heat, and silicone medium vapor generation during the drying process inactivating the viable virus.

[0085] Additional tests were conducted to evaluate the washing and rinsing / inactivation of viruses derived from hair specimens. For evaluation of the test results, positive control specimens were prepared in the same manner as the test specimens, maintained under standard room environmental conditions for the same time period as the tested specimens, and not subjected to any dry cleaning process. The positive control specimens served as a standard for virus concentration and defined the effectiveness of various dry cleaning process conditions in inactivating SARS-CoV-2 virus derived from the specimens. Table 1 shows the relevant tests, test dates in the headers, specimen preparation for testing, exposure conditions, and a test matrix indicating the samples. [Table 1]

[0086] Prior to the commencement of this study, the wool blend fabric test samples were autoclaved to eliminate potential biological contamination of the test fabric or contamination interference in sample analysis. Tests were performed over three time variables: 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 45 minutes. For all tests, the test specimens and positive virus control specimens were prepared using known titers (range 1 × 10⁻⁶). 6 ~1 × 10 7Preparations were made in a Class 2 biological safety cabinet using a common virus stock with a pfu / mL concentration. Individual cloth test pieces, either pre-moistened with a solution additive, dried, or washed / rinsed (as tested), were placed in a sterile petri dish labeled with the test piece and test identification. Using a calibrated micropipette, the test pieces were inoculated from a standard stock virus suspension containing 200 mL of SARS-CoV-2 virus. This virus suspension was then uniformly coated onto the test pieces using a sterile cell spreader. The coated test pieces and positive control test pieces were air-dried in a biological safety cabinet under standard laboratory conditions for the same duration (30–50 minutes) prior to testing. Tests were performed to evaluate (1) heat, (2) heat and silicone liquid, and (3) heat, silicone liquid, and vapor generation during the dry-cleaning cycle, and were characterized in independent test trials. The tests were conducted using an environmental chamber equipped to simulate each of the three dry cleaning processes in the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2. This chamber was housed in a sterile, biological level 2 safety cabinet and was equipped with an internal heater, a temperature controller, a monitor, and a control device. For all specimen exposure tests simulating the thermal levels in the dry phase of the cleaning process, the internal temperature of the test chamber was maintained at 70°C. A fan was used at a low flow rate to provide heat recirculation and temperature uniformity within the test chamber and was measured using a K-type thermocouple probe located in the center of the chamber equipped with a calibrated digital temperature monitor. For the vapor test phase of this study, a diffusion cell temperature-controlled by a heat block was housed in the test chamber and adjusted to 80°C for the diffusion of (D5) solution vapor into a 70°C flow. Prior to each cloth specimen vapor exposure test, the diffusion cell was filled with 10 mL of (D5) solution. This diffusion cell was mounted on a three-way split test manifold designed to simultaneously house three test specimens in one of three specimen-holding tubes to simulate the (D5) cloth cleaning solution vapor generated during the drying cycle of the dry cleaning process. The flow manifold consisted of 1.5-inch inner diameter tubes for vapor transport across the specimens.An airflow (70°C) was directed from the test chamber across the diffusion cell, providing a vapor load to each of the three specimen holding positions. A total flow rate of 1.5 L / min was maintained to simultaneously deliver a small flow rate (500 cc / min) of silicone vapor diluent to each of the three test specimens. The approximate evaporation rate of the (D5) solution from the diffusion cell was 3.6 mL over the 45-minute test duration. This vapor diffusion rate was equivalent to 80 μL / min, and the volume generation rate was equivalent to 56 μL / L of air. The vapor manifold delivery flow was equipped with a Gast rotary vane vacuum pump with valve control and a digital flow meter to monitor the flow rate during the test. Non-silicone vapor-exposed specimens (exposed only to heat) were placed on perforated steel racks in the environmental test chamber. A diagram of the test system is shown in Figure 1.

[0087] Additional tests were conducted to evaluate the washing and rinsing processes. Additional tests were performed to evaluate the removal / inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 from the same type of garment (blend) used in all tests during the washing and rinsing cycle. For these tests, individual SARS-CoV-2 inoculated test cloths were tumbled in 8 oz displacement mason jars using a rotary tumbler. The jars were filled with 3 oz. or 89 mL of (100% D5) solution to simulate the displacement of the actual washing solution volume used in the dry cleaning process. These test cloths were pinned to a wire frame to prevent the cloth from adhering to the jar walls, allowing for actual cloth tumbling and flushing to closely simulate the actual washing process. These test cloths (3 pieces) were tumbled in their respective jars at approximately 35 RPM for 16 minutes. After simulating the washing cycle, the test specimens were sterile-transferred into individually labeled 50 mL filter-separated conical tubes and spun in a laboratory centrifuge at 500 rpm for 4 minutes. These tests were performed to evaluate the washing cycle portion of each dry cleaning process and the combined effect of the process in inactivating / destroying SARS-CoV-2 contaminated cloths.

[0088] IV. Methods - Preparation of virus test specimens Using a calibrated pipette, 200 μl of pure virus inoculant material was transferred to a 2-inch x 2-inch square woolen fabric test piece to the virus stock (1 x 10). 6 ~1 × 10 7 Inoculation was performed from a range of pfu / mL. The virus inoculant was then uniformly spread on each test specimen, measuring 1.5 inches × 1.5 inches in the central area. Three specimens were named positive control baseline specimens. The virus baseline and test process specimens were air-dried in a Class 2 biological safety cabinet (BL2) for approximately 30–50 minutes. The three positive control virus concentration baseline specimens were kept at room temperature inside the BL2 cabinet during the dry cleaning process test. Positive control baseline concentration coupons were extracted and seeded for viral titer after the dry cleaning process test at the same time point as the test process specimens. The test specimens and positive control baseline specimens were placed in individually labeled 50 mL conical tubes containing 2 mL of DMEM medium. The samples were then vortexed at 50% speed for 1 minute for virus extraction, and assays were performed for virus counting and calculation of virus inactivation efficiency.

[0089] V. Analysis of the sample and results The concentration of the stock virus (SARS-CoV-2 strain USA-WA1 / 2020) used for inoculation of test and control specimens was titrated by serial dilution to determine the 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID). 50This was done to ensure that a sufficient amount of virus was available for testing. The untreated virus control concentration was evaluated to confirm that the titer remained consistent. Sterile DMEM (Mediatech) supplemented with 7% fetal bovine serum (HyClone), GlutaMax (Gibco), and penicillin-streptomycin-neomycin antibiotic mixture (Gibco) was used for cell and virus culture. VeroE6 cells (monkey kidney cells) initially obtained from ATCC (CRL-1586) were used for the ASFV assay. All cells were maintained at 36°~38°C and 5% CO2 in a humidified atmosphere, seeded in flasks for growth, and spread in 96-well plates for SARS-CoV-2 virus titration. Cells were infected with viral specimen extracts at a concentration of 70%, and the presence of cytopathic effects (CPE) was observed for 4-5 days post-infection. Tenfold dilutions of the virus extract from the test specimen samples were applied to cell assay plates using up to 8-log dilution factors to assess the presence of viral replication within plate host cells. Five replicate samples were inoculated into the plate at each dilution level, with each row of replicates being diluted tenfold more than the previous row for detection of viral cell infectivity. Readings of the viral replication plates were performed under high magnification for viral host cell infectivity, and sample test logs were recorded for positive (+) or negative (-) viral replication. Sample concentration measurements and TCID were also performed. 50 To determine the 50% tissue culture infectious dose (VAT), the data was entered into the Reed-Muench calculator.

[0090] VI. Test Results Specimen preparation, including SARS-CoV-2 inoculation, drying, exposure testing, extraction, and seeding for cell assays, was performed in a sterile Class 2 biosafety cabinet. After a 4-day plate assay virus incubation period, plates were read for viral infectivity, and data were collected using TCID. 50It was recorded in the test log. The results were input into the Reed Muench data analysis program for comparison with the virus titer concentration of the positive test control sample and the results of the dry cleaning process exposure test pieces. The simulation of individual drying cycles, the simulation of individual washing cycles, and TCID using the complete dry cleaning process 50 The data tabulated from the test results determines the effectiveness in inactivating SARS-CoV-2. The average virus TCID of the test specimens examined under each dry cleaning process condition 50 Inactivation is shown in Table 2. The TCID of each test specimen 50 The results are tabulated in Table 3.

Table 2

Table 3-1

Table 3-2

[0091] The data shown in Table 2 represents the log reduction percentage of each dry cleaning process relative to the control sample for each set of test pieces at each process time, and the average reduction percentage of each process for virus inactivation. The silicone cleaning and spin rinse tests were combined with the results of the processes of heat, silicone liquid, and steam exposure to define the overall virus reduction percentage of the complete dry cleaning process. A plot showing the percentage of logarithmic reduction effectiveness of each and the entire process of the simulated dry cleaning process in the inactivation of the contaminated flannel material infected with SARS-CoV-2 is shown in Figure 2.

[0092] VII. Discussion The test results suggest that the dry cleaning process using a (100% D5) solution has a high level of effectiveness in reducing SARS-CoV-2 contaminated clothing. This test was conducted to provide an accurate simulation of the patented dry cleaning process in a laboratory setting. A simulation of the drying cycle in a process combining heat and the dry cleaning solvent (D5) resulted in an approximately 75.4% reduction in viable viruses. A process combining heat, steam, and the dry cleaning solvent (D5) with the drying cycle performed even better, resulting in an approximately 96.7% reduction in viable viruses. A combination of a washing cycle containing the dry cleaning solvent (D5) and a drying cycle containing a combination of heat, steam, and the dry cleaning solvent (D5) performed best, reducing viable viruses by approximately 98.6%.

[0093] It should be noted that in one simulation of the drying cycle, the combination of heat, steam, and liquid conditions resulted in a logarithmic reduction of 98.00% compared to the virus control. When this single test result is combined with the results of a simulation of the average washing cycle, the successive combination of a 56.18% reduction in washing cycles and a 98.00% reduction in drying cycles will result in an optimized calculation of a logarithmic reduction of 99.12% compared to the average virus control.

Claims

1. A method for treating a material contaminated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus or a variant thereof, comprising exposing the material to vapor, heat, and a dry cleaning solvent, wherein the vapor is produced by heating and / or evaporating a dry cleaning solvent, the method at least partially inactivates the virus, the dry cleaning solvent reaches a temperature of 60°C to 80°C, the material is a cloth, and the dry cleaning solvent is a siloxane-based solvent.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the material is exposed to the heat, vapor, and dry cleaning solvent during the washing cycle of a dry cleaning process, during the drying cycle of a dry cleaning process, or a combination of both.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the material and dry cleaning solvent are added to the chamber of a dry cleaning machine.

4. The method described above is a) Exposing the material to a dry cleaning solvent, followed by, b) A step of heating the dry cleaning solvent to form vapor. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, including the method described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dry cleaning solvent further contains water, and vapor is produced by heating the dry cleaning solvent and water.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the material is exposed to the vapor for 3 to 75 minutes.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fabric is clothing or a household textile product.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the material includes polypropylene fibers.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the steam is generated as part of a dry cleaning process.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the steam is generated during the drying cycle of the dry cleaning process.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the steam is generated during a cleaning cycle of a dry cleaning process.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the steam reaches a temperature of at least 70°C.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the dry cleaning solvent has a flash point of at least 60°C.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the virus has a lipid-containing coating, and the method destroys the lipid-containing coating.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the vapor is produced by heating and / or evaporating a dry cleaning solvent and water.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the vapor contains liquid particles of a solvent smaller than micron size that penetrate the lipid-containing coating of the virus.

17. The method according to claim 1, wherein the siloxane solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), octamethyltetracyclosiloxane, or dodecamethylhexacyclosiloxane.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the siloxane solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5).

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the steam is generated in a rotating drum, and the drum rolls the material so that the steam comes into contact with the material.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the steam is injected into the rotating drum at a pressure of 0.5 psi to 1000 psi.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the material comprises wool, polyester and / or polyester blended fibers.

22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the material comprises cotton, linen, wool, rayon, polyester, acrylic, silk, or nylon, or a blend thereof.

23. A method for processing a material contaminated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus or a variant thereof, comprising: exposing the material to a dry cleaning solvent; and a drying step at 45°C to 85°C in which the solvent is removed, wherein the method at least partially inactivates the virus; the dry cleaning solvent reaches a temperature of 60°C to 80°C; the material is a cloth; and the dry cleaning solvent is a siloxane-based solvent.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the fabric is clothing or a household textile product.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, which is part of a dry cleaning process.

26. The method according to claim 23, wherein the siloxane solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), octamethyltetracyclosiloxane, or dodecamethylhexacyclosiloxane.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the siloxane solvent is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5).

28. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the drying cycle is performed for 3 to 75 minutes.

29. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the material comprises wool, polyester and / or polyester blended fibers.

30. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the material comprises cotton, linen, wool, rayon, polyester, acrylic, silk, or nylon, or a blend thereof.

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