Biopolymer Coating Imparts Sustainable Self-Disinfecting and Antimicrobial Properties to Fabric: Translated to Protective Gears for the Pandemic and Beyond

Abstract

The global pandemic of COVID-19 and emerging antimicrobial drug resistance highlights the need for sustainable technology that enables more preparedness and active control measures. It is thus important to have a reliable solution to avert the present situations as well as preserve nature for habitable life in the future. One time use of PPE kits is promoting the accumulation of nondegradable waste, which may pose an unforeseen challenge in the future. We have developed a biocompatible, biodegradable, and nonirritating nanoemulsion coating for textiles. The study focused on coating cotton fabric to functionalize it with broad spectrum antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. The nanoemulsion comprises spherical particles of chitosan, oleic acid, and eugenol that are cross-linked to fibers. The nanoemulsion caused complete destruction of pathogens even for the most rigid biofilms formed by drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans on the surface of the coated fabric. The secondary coat with beeswax imparts super hydrophobicity and 20 wash cycle resistance and leads to enhanced barrier properties with superior particulate filtration, bacterial filtration, and viral penetration efficiency as compared to an N95 respirator. The coated fabric qualifies as per standard parameters like breathability, flammability, splash resistance, and filtration efficiency for submicrometer particles, bacteria, and viruses. The scaleup and bulk manufacturing of the coating technology on fabric masks complied with standards. The consumer feedback rated the coated mask with high scores in breathability and comfortability as compared to an N95. The strategy promises to provide a long-term sustainable model compared to single use masks and PPE that will remain a nondegradable burden on the ecosystem for years to come.

Antibiofilm Activity of Eugenol-Loaded Chitosan Coatings against Common Medical-Device-Contaminating Bacteria

“…Assay. MTT assays were used to evaluate the viability of NIH/3T3 fibroblasts in indirect 26 and direct 32 contact, where the cells were incubated with extracts of the samples and directly with the samples, respectively, in quadruplicate.…”

“…There has been a large body of literature investigating the antimicrobial properties of EO-releasing coatings based on diverse polymers such as chitosan, poly­(lactic acid), alginate, zein, polycaprolactone, poly­(vinyl alcohol), potato starch, and MSNs. − Nonetheless, their antibiofilm activities against adherent bacteria have not been investigated thoroughly. Antimicrobial activities of these coatings with clove, oregano, cinnamon, patchouli EOs, and thymol loaded into various types of MSNs such as MCM-41 and SBA-15 were found against E. coli , S. aureus , and fungi such as Curvularia lunata and Mucor circinelloides . − A few other studies have illustrated the antibiofilm and antimicrobial effects of chitosan coatings and fibers incorporated with eugenol against MRSA, P. aeruginosa , and E. coli , but the application of nanoscale drug-delivery systems has not been examined. , Therefore, the development of stimuli-responsive antibiofilm materials with different drug-delivery systems and various EOs or EO constituents is still a growing area of research.…”

“…20−25 A few other studies have illustrated the antibiofilm and antimicrobial effects of chitosan coatings and fibers incorporated with eugenol against MRSA, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli, but the application of nanoscale drugdelivery systems has not been examined. 26,27 Therefore, the development of stimuli-responsive antibiofilm materials with different drug-delivery systems and various EOs or EO constituents is still a growing area of research.…”

Guarding skin under PPE: Mechanistic insights and technological innovations

“…To enhance the comfort of PPE, specialized coatings are applied to reduce friction and irritation on the skin 53 . Cutting‐edge developments in this field have introduced hydrophobic coatings that repel moisture, preventing skin maceration 54 . Such advancements contribute significantly to ensuring HCWs remain comfortable and safe during extended PPE use.…”

Utilizing Rapid Hydrogen Peroxide Generation from 6-Hydroxycatechol to Design Moisture-Activated, Self-Disinfecting Coating

“…Using self-disinfecting face masks , or surfaces is a convenient and effective approach to control the spread of infections while reducing exposure to disinfectant products, which may cause health problems . Currently available self-disinfecting methods ,− rely on external factors such as heat or light or may not offer rapid disinfection, making them inconvenient or impractical for on-demand use. Hence, achieving rapid and effective antipathogenic performance is essential when developing self-disinfecting coatings.…”