Advances in Facemasks during the COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Abstract

The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has transformed the daily lifestyles of people worldwide. COVID-19 was characterized as a pandemic owing to its global spread, and technologies based on engineered materials that help to reduce the spread of infections have been reported. Nanotechnology present in materials with enhanced physicochemical properties and versatile chemical functionalization offer numerous ways to combat the disease. Facemasks are a reliable preventive measure, although they are not 100% effective against viral infections. Nonwoven materials, which are the key components of masks, act as barriers to the virus through filtration. However, there is a high chance of cross-infection because the used mask lacks virucidal properties and can become an additional source of infection. The combination of antiviral and filtration properties enhances the durability and reliability of masks, thereby reducing the likelihood of cross-infection. In this review, we focus on masks, from the manufacturing stage to practical applications, and their abilities to combat COVID-19. Herein, we discuss the impacts of masks on the environment, while considering safe industrial production in the future. Furthermore, we discuss available options for future research directions that do not negatively impact the environment.

Functionalized Masks: Powerful Materials against COVID‐19 and Future Pandemics

“…Various types of face masks that can be applied for protection against COVID‐19 have been reviewed by several groups. [ 61 , 62 , 63 ] Various types of commonly used face masks during the COVID‐19 pandemic are depicted in Figure 2 .…”

Electrospun nanofiber-based respiratory face masks—a review

“…Therefore, face masks are expected to (i) protect the wearer from contaminants such as particulates such as dust, bacteria, and sneeze droplets present in the surroundings while being permeable to air and provide blood splash resistance (for HCWs) to the wearer and (ii) prevent/ reduce expulsions of cough and sneeze by the wearer into the surroundings so as to keep the surrounding harm-free from infection especially during the pandemic situations . Some masks come with exhalation valves/ventilation fans [ 12 ] which reduce exhalation pressure drop and also reduce CO 2 accumulation. However, during the pandemic outbreak (such as COVID-19), masks with exhalation valves may leak the virus (such as SARS-CoV-2).…”

“…In most cases, a mask is also expected to be non-collapsible; therefore, a modacrylic layer is included to provide a tight fit around the wearer’s nose and mouth. Thus, most commercial masks are made from four- to five-layered fabric materials [ 12 ]. The layer contacting the skin should be soft non-woven fabric, providing comfort to the wearer, and hydrophilic in nature which holds cough droplets.…”

Temperature-adjustable F-carbon nanofiber/carbon fiber nanocomposite fibrous masks with excellent comfortability and anti-pathogen functionality

“…Sio et al [26] outlined how to realize non-disposable and highly comfortable respirators capable of light-triggered self-disinfection by combining bioactive nanofiber properties with stimuli-responsive nanomaterials. Karmacharya et al [27] discussed the manufacturing, practical applications, and anti-COVID-19 performance of novel masks. Melayil et al [28] investigated interactions of droplets over the most used surgical masks and studied the wetting signature, adhesion, and impact dynamics of water droplets and microbe-laden droplets on both sides of the mask.…”