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Although the circulation of avian influenza viruses in humans is limited, they can be transmitted from Aves (birds) to humans, representing a great challenge. Herein, we suggest that influenza viruses from Aves might exist in a mineralized state owing to the high calcium concentrations in the avian intestine. Using two typical influenza viruses as examples, we demonstrate that these viruses can self-mineralize in simulated avian intestinal fluid, resulting in egg-like virus-mineral structured composites. The mineralized viruses are more robust, with enhanced infectivity and thermostability. More importantly, the mineral exterior of mineralized viruses can alter their cell internalization, expanding the possible tropisms. The discovery of a mineralized state of influenza viruses highlights the integration of nanomaterials and viruses in the environment, which provides a new understanding of avian influenza infection and its control.

Multi-walled carbon nanotube arrays (MWCNTAs) were grown by thermal chemical vapor deposition (TCVD) in a horizontal furnace reactor. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that MWCNTAs grown on the bottom and the central of the quartz tube are different in one experiment. Moreover, the MWCNTAs grown on the central position are more aligned and longer than those on the bottom. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was employed to investigate the gas flow field impact on the MWCNTAs growth. The results show that gas circulations appear after carrier gas and carbon source are injected into the quartz tube. Because of the existence of gas circulations, the gas flow field at the central of the quartz tube is more stable, which is conducive to the growth of MWCNTAs. The CFD simulation results match well with the experimental data.

Graphene oxide (GO) can efficiently capture viruses, destroy their surface proteins, and extract viral RNA in an aqueous environment by using the superficial bioreduction of GO. It follows from these phenomena that GO is an excellent nanomaterial for the high-throughput detection and disinfection of viruses, demonstrating its great potential for the prevention of environmental infections.