Biocompatible Polymer Virucides for a One Health World

We are in a constant and ever evolving battle with viruses. Our only defence are vaccines or antivirals. Both are typically developed in response to viral outbreaks meaning that any defence we mount is reactive and not proactive. Despite the clear need for improved interventions against viruses, there is a lack of innovation, novel materials, targeted approaches and systematic studies. Building on my experience in extracellular antivirals, I have recently identified a series of star polymer materials that display low toxicity (both in vitro and in vivo), can be produced cheaply at scale, and are potent broad-spectrum virucides (in vitro and in vivo). This seminal finding represents a significant leap forward in the development of biocompatible virucides, and with investment in their development, they will be ready for future viral outbreaks. POLYVIR will push the boundaries and expand the synthetic space of these biocompatible virucides by implementing high-throughput, oxygen-tolerant polymerisation, combined with liquid-handling robots, to create libraries of polymer virucides. To screen this unprecedented number of antiviral samples, high- throughput, cell-free, virucidal assays and techniques will be developed and then implemented, enabling screening of a range of structure-property relationships and expanding the scope and breadth of these virucides. Expansion to include glycol-polymers will allow for a truly pan-viral biocompatible virucide to be produced. To prevent animal pandemics, we will also focus on improving their activity window by enabling activity in high-protein and/or low-temperature environments. Our potent virucidal polymers will be applied as coatings to engineer surface properties of a range of materials to create long-lasting broad-spectrum antiviral surfaces and textiles. This project will consolidate my research at the forefront of extracellular antivirals globally and produce the next generation of scientists in this globally relevant fie