Electrospun ultrafine fibers for advanced face masks

Abstract

The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has triggered great global public health concern. Face masks are essential tools to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 from human to human. However, there are still challenges to prolong the serving life and maintain the filtering performance of the current commercial mask. Filters composed of ultrafine fibers with diameter down to tens of nanometers have the potential to physically block viruses. With adjustable composition and nanostructures, the electrospun ultrafine fiber filter is possible to achieve other necessary functions beyond virus blocking, such as antiviral, transparent, and degradable, making it an important part of fighting the epidemic. In this review, beginning with the basic information of the viruses, we summarize the knowledge of masks and respirators, including the filtering mechanism, structure, classification, and standards. We further present the fabrication method, filtering performance, and reusable potential of electrospun ultrafine fiber-based masks. In the end, we discuss the development directions of ultrafine fibers in protective devices, especially their new functional applications and possible contributions in the prevention and control of the epidemic.

Electrospun Nanofiber Mats for Filtering Applications—Technology, Structure and Materials

“…The personal protective equipment with integrated nanofibers is designed to protect from chemical and biological hazards. A mask with nanofibers can have high filtration performance, as well as good breathability, due to its low resistance properties, which makes breathing much more comfortable compared to traditional filtration fibers [ 119 ]. The application areas of air filtration materials are various, and future perspectives are promising.…”

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

“…In addition, the strong forces of van der Waals that are capable of adsorbing submicron-sized particles will be produced. Due to the pores’ good interconnectivity, the diffusion, inertial effect, and interception will also be enhanced [ 52 ].…”

Advanced Research and Development of Face Masks and Respirators Pre and Post the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Critical Review

“…At particle sizes of 0.1 to 1 µm, interception can occur when the particle-filter distance is equal to or less than the particle radius [ 1 , 71 , 80 ]. Particles follow primary streamlines allowing particle-filter interaction and filtration for particles up to 0.6 µm [ 72 ].…”

“…Diffusion is promoted by Brownian Motion of adjunct particles to the filtration media. The particles are deviated from the flow streamline and randomly diffuse through the filtration fabric matrix at particles sizes smaller than 1 µm [ 1 ]. Once the particle is collected on the media, another particle comes to the vacant space to be filtered.…”

“…The unprecedented outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus ( SARS-CoV-2 ) that is currently a global concern. SARS-CoV-2 has a mortality rate of 3 to 5% and can cause severe pneumonia, acute myocardial injuries, and chronic damage to the cardiovascular system [ 1 ]. The lack of knowledge and incomplete understanding of COVID-19 limits current advancements in research, product development, and manufacturing of respirators and face masks.…”