Application of Biocides and Super-Absorbing Polymers to Enhance the Efficiency of Filtering Materials

Abstract

Studies on the functionalization of materials used for the construction of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) relate to endowing fibers with biocidal properties. There is also a real need for reducing moisture content accumulating in such materials during FFR use, as it would lead to decreased microorganism survival. Thus, in our study, we propose the use of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), together with a biocidal agent (biohalloysite), as additives in the manufacturing of polypropylene/polyester (PP/PET) multifunctional filtering material (MFM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the MFM for stability of the modifier’s attachment to the polymer matrix, the degree of survival of microorganisms on the nonwoven, and its microorganism filtration efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to test the stability of the modifier’s attachment. The filtration efficiency was determined under conditions of dynamic aerosol flow of S. aureus bacteria. The survival rates (N%) of the following microorganisms were assessed: Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, Candida albicans yeast, and Aspergillus niger mold using the AATCC 100-2004 method. FTIR spectrum analysis confirmed the pre-established composition of MFM. The loss of the active substance from MFM in simulated conditions of use did not exceed 0.02%, which validated the stability of the modifier’s attachment to the PP/PET fiber structure. SEM image analysis verified the uniformity of the MFM structure. Lower microorganism survival rates were detected for S. aureus, C. albicans, and E. coli on the MFM nonwoven compared to control samples that did not contain the modifiers. However, the MFM did not inhibit A. niger growth. The MFM also showed high filtration efficiency (99.86%) against S. aureus bacteria.

Coating with Hypertonic Saline Improves Virus Protection of Filtering Facepiece Manyfold—Benefit of Salt Impregnation in Times of Pandemic

“…The treatment of FFP respirators with suspensions of dialdehyde starch increased the virucidal efficacy significantly and did not modify the virus removal efficiency or pressure drop of the filter [ 15 , 16 ]. Surgical masks were envisaged to save susceptible persons from the wearer’s exhaled breath compared to surgical respirators, preventing infections of the wearer’s respiratory system [ 17 ]. However, in a previously published report, high-quality standard surgical masks were reported to be as effective as FFP2 masks, although neither mask type completely prevents transmission.…”

A comprehensive review on antimicrobial face masks: an emerging weapon in fighting pandemics

“…The surfaces coated AMA are reported to be effective in deactivating/killing microorganisms and preventing the formation of biolms. The active moieties which impart the biocidal qualities include metal and metal oxides, 75,[84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92][93][94][95] quaternary ammonium or phosphonium groups, [96][97][98][99][100] antimicrobial polymers, [101][102][103][104][105][106][107] N-halamine compounds, [108][109][110][111][112] antimicrobial peptides, 105 and natural compounds, 82,[113][114][115][116][117][118][119][120][121] as depicted in Fig. 6.…”

Nanofiber-Based Face Masks and Respirators as COVID-19 Protection: A Review

“…Additionally, for protection against bacteria and viruses, nanofibers comprising superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) have been produced in order to provide greater convenience, adding additional functions, as well as medical care. To this end, many researchers have fabricated electrospun superabsorbent nanofibers to increase material absorption ability, to be utilized as personal hygiene products, microbe bio-filters, and disposable face masks [ 86 , 87 ]. Sivri (2018) used nanofibers electrospun of (PVA/SAP) aqueous polymer solutions to be coated onto face masks for developing virus barrier functions and liquid absorption functions.…”