Antiviral Nanomaterials for Designing Mixed Matrix Membranes

Abstract

Membranes are helpful tools to prevent airborne and waterborne pathogenic microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria. A membrane filter can physically separate pathogens from air or water. Moreover, incorporating antiviral and antibacterial nanoparticles into the matrix of membrane filters can render composite structures capable of killing pathogenic viruses and bacteria. Such membranes incorporated with antiviral and antibacterial nanoparticles have a great potential for being applied in various application scenarios. Therefore, in this perspective article, we attempt to explore the fundamental mechanisms and recent progress of designing antiviral membrane filters, challenges to be addressed, and outlook.

Face Masks to Combat Coronavirus (COVID-19)—Processing, Roles, Requirements, Efficacy, Risk and Sustainability

“…Electrospun nanofibrous membranes (0.04–2 micron) have high potential for various applications such as tissue engineering [ 80 , 81 , 82 ] and water/air filtration [ 83 ], which can be used in place of melt-blown non-woven for high filtration efficacy [ 45 , 73 ]. The use of nanomaterials (silver (Ag), gold (Au), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), zinc oxide (ZnO), and carbon (C)) in the nanofibrous membrane can make it more effective against waterborne and airborne bacteria/viruses [ 84 ]. Ultrasonic welding is used to join the layers together.…”

“… Three types of phase inversion: ( a ) dry-jet wet spinning, ( b ) non-solvent-induced phase separation, and ( c ) electrospinning [ 84 ]. …”

Fabrication of air filters with advanced filtration performance for removal of viral aerosols and control the spread of COVID-19

“…Today, high-performance and efficient air filters are made using polymer nano-fibers as well as nanomaterials that have anti-viral and antimicrobial features such as metals, metal oxides, biopolymers, and carbon-based nanomaterials like graphene and carbon nanotubes [ 15 , 16 , 21 , 23 , 24 ]. In this review, we summarized the utilization of diverse materials in the preparation of efficient air filters to apply in the preparation of medical masks and ventilation systems.…”

Nanocomposite coatings for the prevention of surface contamination by coronavirus

“…One long-known way to eliminate the contamination of surfaces by viruses and bacteria, and thus a possible contact-induced transmission of these pathogens, is by using metallic surfaces [8]. Metals, such as zinc, silver, titanium oxide and copper, are poisonous to viruses and bacteria, even in small amounts, and are used as antiviral and antibacterial agents in medical applications [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] . In particular, copper was recognized in 2008 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the first metallic antimicrobial agent [9].…”