Inhibition of Escherichia Virus MS2, Surrogate of SARS-CoV-2, via Essential Oils-Loaded Electrospun Fibrous Mats: Increasing the Multifunctionality of Antivirus Protection Masks

Abstract

One of the most important measures implemented to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission has been the use of face masks. Yet, most mask options available in the market display a passive action against the virus, not actively compromising its viability. Here, we propose to overcome this limitation by incorporating antiviral essential oils (EOs) within polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun fibrous mats to be used as intermediate layers in individual protection masks. Twenty EOs selected based on their antimicrobial nature were examined for the first time against the Escherichia coli MS2 virus (potential surrogate of SARS-CoV-2). The most effective were the lemongrass (LGO), Niaouli (NO) and eucalyptus (ELO) with a virucidal concentration (VC) of 356.0, 365.2 and 586.0 mg/mL, respectively. PCL was processed via electrospinning, generating uniform, beadless fibrous mats. EOs loading was accomplished via two ways: (1) physisorption on pre-existing mats (PCLaEOs), and (2) EOs blending with the polymer solution prior to fiber electrospinning (PCLbEOs). In both cases, 10% v/v VC was used as loading concentration, so the mats’ stickiness and overwhelming smell could be prevented. The EOs presence and release from the mats were confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy (≈5257–631 µg) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry evaluations (average of ≈14.3% EOs release over 4 h), respectively. PCLbEOs mats were considered the more mechanically and thermally resilient, with LGO promoting the strongest bonds with PCL (PCLbLGO). On the other hand, PCLaNO and PCLaELO were deemed the least cohesive combinations. Mats modified with the EOs were all identified as superhydrophobic, capable of preventing droplet penetration. Air and water-vapor permeabilities were affected by the mats’ porosity (PCL < PCLaEOs < PCLbEOs), exhibiting a similar tendency of increasing with the increase of porosity. Antimicrobial testing revealed the mats’ ability to retain the virus (preventing infiltration) and to inhibit its action (log reduction averaging 1). The most effective combination against the MS2 viral particles was the PCLbLGO. These mats’ scent was also regarded as the most pleasant during sensory evaluation. Overall, data demonstrated the potential of these EOs-loaded PCL fibrous mats to work as COVID-19 active barriers for individual protection masks.

Antibacterial and antiviral chitosan oligosaccharide modified cellulosic fibers with durability against washing and long-acting activity

“…The bacteriophage MS2 is a non-enveloped positive-stranded RNA virus and it is a potential surrogate of human pathogenic viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A and B, and human norovirus due to its icosahedral structure and small size [56] , [57] . Chitosan has the capacity to kill viral by binding the proteins in the viral capsid and causing viral structural damage [58] .…”

The Rise of Electroactive Materials in Face Masks for Preventing Virus Infections

“…Currently, natural virus inhibitors, − metals/metal oxides/particles or ions, − metal–organic frameworks, − small organic molecules, − salts, − and carbon-based materials − have been added to air filters to inactivate viruses or bacteria retained by filtration. In addition, researchers have systematically reviewed the current development of antiviral masks in terms of effectiveness, importance, preparation process, testing, and characterization, environmental impact, and development trend .…”

Nanofiber-Based Odor-Free Medical Mask Fabrication Using Polyvinyl Butyral and Eucalyptus Anti Odor Agent

“…Similarly to others essential oils not only is eucalyptus used as an anti-odor agent with benefits for human health but it is also employed to reduce and combat COVID-19-induced smell loss [ 42 ]. Domingues et al, demonstrated that various essential oils, including eucalyptus oil, can be very effective against Escherichia Virus MS2, a surrogate of SARS-CoV-2, resulting in increased mask multifunctionality [ 43 ]. Therefore, novel medical mask fabrics are required to exhibit high breathability, permeability, high particle filtration efficiency, as well as efficient odor removal to improve medical mask usage.…”