Soft matter science and the COVID-19 pandemic

TL;DR

This paper reviews how soft matter science underpins understanding of COVID-19 transmission, highlighting knowledge gaps and proposing research questions to improve pandemic response and preparedness.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive survey of soft matter aspects related to COVID-19, identifying key gaps and suggesting future research directions.

Findings

Coronaviruses are complex soft matter particles.

Transmission involves interactions with mucus and surfaces.

Addressing knowledge gaps can improve pandemic response.

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.