Copper-Nanoparticle-Coated Melt-Blown Facemask Filter with Antibacterial and SARS-CoV-2 Antiviral Ability

Abstract

Personal protective equipment, particularly facemasks, has an essential role in reducing the transmission risk of airborne infections from person to person. Thus, this study aimed to develop a hydrophobic facemask filter with antiviral and antibacterial effects to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 or other infectious pathogens that spread through the respiratory system. In this study, the melt-blown surface was modified with poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) by photoactivated graft polymerization and copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were immobilized on the PAA-grafted melt-blown surface. The surface morphology and composition of the coated melt-blown surface were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energydispersive spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. CuNPs-coated melt-blown surfaces with hydrophobic nature showed inherent antiviral and antibiofilm formation activities against SARS-CoV-2 and Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. A more than 98% bacterial reduction and a significant decrease in the N and RdRp RNA titer were achieved following direct contact with the coated melt-blown surface. The standard sterilization processes, including autoclaving and UV irradiation, did not affect the antibacterial efficacy or the biocompatibility of the coated mask with dermal fibroblasts. The incorporation of CuNPs onto a melt-blown surface was not detrimental to the textile structure, although it caused a slight decrease in the air permeability, breathability, and tensile strength. The coated sample showed less than 4 ppm copper ion release during each of the 10 laundry cycles, and more than 50% of the initial copper content remained after the 10th laundry cycle, demonstrating the strong adhesion of CuNPs to the melt-blown surface. The facile processability of the CuNPs-coated hydrophobic mask filter with virus inactivation ability and reusability ensure its role in preventing the widespread transmission of viral infections through respiratory aerosols.

Copper and Copper-Based Nanoparticles in Medicine—Perspectives and Challenges

“…The SARS-CoV-2 virus was completely inactivated after being exposed to the surface coated with copper paint for 1 h. However, before using copper paint in public or hospital settings, further studies are needed to understand the mechanism used to inactivate the virus. SadrHaghighi et al designed an antiviral hydrophobic facemask filter to prevent the transmission of pathogens that can spread through the respiratory tract [ 77 ]. Copper nanoparticles were grafted onto a poly(acrylic acid) melt-blown surface and tested against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.…”

“…In addition, the designed mask filter showed the negligible release of copper ions after 10 wash cycles. This indicates the strong adhesion of copper nanoparticles to the polymer surface [ 77 ]. Toledo et al have performed similar studies [ 78 ].…”

Nano-microflora Interaction Inducing Pulmonary Inflammation by Pyroptosis

“…This endeavor has led to the engineering of more than 400 antimicrobial nanomaterials, , such as Ag nanoparticles (NPs), CuO NPs, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), ZnO NPs, and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets . These engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have been integrated across diverse domains, spanning from facial masks, aerosol disinfectant sprays, textiles, and food packaging to environmental equipment and medical devices. , Nonetheless, the extensive utilization of these nanomaterials, while heralding significant benefits, also introduce a concomitant elevation in exposure risks, eliciting adverse effects on both the environment and human health. For instance, studies examining air quality have uncovered significant concentrations of TiO 2 particles, ranging from 21.2 to 277.3 μg/m 3 , and carbon black particles, with levels between 17 and 79 μg/m 3 . , Furthermore, water sample analyses have revealed the presence of up to 0.5 mg/L of Ag NPs, leading to substantial accumulation of silver in plants, ranging from 0.2 to 4.7 mg/kg, and in fish, with concentrations between 9.1 and 53.8 mg/kg) …”

“…12 These engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have been integrated across diverse domains, spanning from facial masks, aerosol disinfectant sprays, textiles, and food packaging to environmental equipment and medical devices. 13,14 Nonetheless, the extensive utilization of these nanomaterials, while heralding significant benefits, also introduce a concomitant elevation in exposure risks, eliciting adverse effects on both the environment and human health. For instance, studies examining air quality have uncovered significant concentra-tions of TiO 2 particles, ranging from 21.2 to 277.3 μg/m 3 , and carbon black particles, with levels between 17 and 79 μg/ m 3 .…”

Sputtering-Deposited Ultra-Thin Ag–Cu Films on Non-Woven Fabrics for Face Masks with Antimicrobial Function and Breath NOx Response

“…This inadequacy becomes particularly prominent in the ongoing impact of respiratory diseases, such as COVID-19. Therefore, the imperative development of intelligent face masks with antibacterial and antiviral capabilities is crucial for public health [5][6][7].…”