Self-Disinfecting High-Performance Facemask Based on Biomaterial Coated Nanofibers

Overview

COVID-19 has caused more than 6,000,000 deaths worldwide, and face coverings are an essential line of defense against the virus. However, the commonly used surgical masks lack sufficient filtration efficiency, while N95 respirators are less comfortable to wear due to reduced breathability. Lacking self-disinfection functions, N95 and surgical masks are designed for single use, which strains the supply chain and produces unnecessary polypropylene waste that requires 20-30 years to decompose. Reusable face masks with the self-disinfecting function, high filtration efficiency, and easy breathability are in urgent need. The nanofiber-based self- disinfecting face mask was designed to meet these needs. The nanofiber filters were created via electrospinning of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solution, and then soaked in chitosan solution. The nanofiber filters, with a thickness of 10-20 micrometers, are sufficient to achieve the filtration efficiencies comparable to the much thicker N95 respirators, while maintaining easy breathability comparable to surgical masks for optimal wearing comfort. For self-disinfection against viruses and microbes, FDA-approved biomaterials including chitosan and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) were incorporated. EGCG was encapsulated into nanoparticles with above 90% efficiency for increased stability to bind electrostatically to chitosan. The EGCG nanoparticles and chitosan coated on PAN nanofibers demonstrate significant antimicrobial effects against Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, along with significant antiviral effects against Human Coronavirus OC43 that is used as a testbed of coronaviruses. The future application of these nanofiber filters being integrated into large scale production for highly efficient face masks with good breathability, self-disinfection function, and reusability looks promising.

Competition history

• JSHS 2022 Category not listed

Resources

• National JSHS abstract book ↗

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