Operative Protocol for Testing the Efficacy of Nasal Filters in Preventing Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Semeraro, Sabrina; Gaetano, Anastasia Serena; Zupin, Luisa; Poloni, Carlo; Merlach, Elvio; Greco, Enrico; Licen, Sabina; Fontana, Francesco; Leo, Silvana; Miani, Alessandro; Broccolo, Francesco; Barbieri, Pierluigi

doi:10.3390/ijerph192113790

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 31 publications

(44 reference statements)

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“…Recently we described one operative protocol for testing the efficacy of nasal filters in preventing airborne transmission of respiratory infectious agents (18). Our setting is a simulation of a real-life situation and the absolute efficacy of endonasal filters can only be tested live.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A new aerodynamic endonasal filtration technology for protection against pollutants and respiratory infectious agents: evaluation of the particle filtration efficacy

Saravanan,

Broccolo,

Ali

et al. 2023

Front. Med. Technol.

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An innovative nasal filter was tested, based on aerodynamic air filtration and not on conventional air filtration by means of mesh filters. A custom testing system was designed and three sizes of the filter have been tested vs. monodispersed SiO2 particles sized 5 μm, 1 μm, and 0.5 μm under cycling flow of 6 liters per minute, provided by an artificial lung breather simulating spontaneous breathing. Accelerated testing was implemented, challenging filters with a maximum load of 200 mg per cubic meter. All three filters' sizes showed initial filtration efficiencies above 90% vs. all particles' sizes, decreased to not less than 80% after 30 min of accelerated testing, corresponding to 4.5 days of continuous use at 2 mg challenge, this value being associated with hazardous air conditions in the PSI scale. Results in this study indicate that nasal filters based on aerodynamic air filtration can provide fine and ultrafine filtration, offering protection in day-to-day life from risks associated with pollens, mites, PM, pollutants, and respiratory infectious agents, introducing acceptable respiratory resistance.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A new aerodynamic endonasal filtration technology for protection against pollutants and respiratory infectious agents: evaluation of the particle filtration efficacy

Saravanan,

Broccolo,

Ali

et al. 2023

Front. Med. Technol.

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“…To this end, it is noteworthy that the German Society of Hospital Hygiene (DGKH) has recently endorsed the use of nasal sprays based on Carragelose, 3 times/daily in older people residing in elderly-care facilities or rehabilitation facilities and sharing communal activities, at family gatherings or professional meetings, schools, kindergartens and religious occasions [ 66 ]. A clinical trial aimed to test the efficiency of nasal filters for preventing airborne contagion by SARS-CoV-2 is also underway [ 67 ]; these devices may have main application in high-risk conditions, such as in healthcare setting where COVID-19 patients are cured.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Improving Nasal Protection for Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Nocini

Henry

Mattiuzzi³

et al. 2022

Biomedicines

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Airborne pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, are mainly contracted within the airway pathways, especially in the nasal epithelia, where inhaled air is mostly filtered in resting conditions. Mucosal immunity developing after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination in this part of the body represents one of the most efficient deterrents for preventing viral infection. Nonetheless, the complete lack of such protection in SARS-CoV-2 naïve or seronegative subjects, the limited capacity of neutralizing new and highly mutated lineages, along with the progressive waning of mucosal immunity over time, lead the way to considering alternative strategies for constructing new walls that could stop or entrap the virus at the nasal mucosa surface, which is the area primarily colonized by the new SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineages. Among various infection preventive strategies, those based on generating physical barriers within the nose, aimed at impeding host cell penetration (i.e., using compounds with mucoadhesive properties, which act by hindering, entrapping or adsorbing the virus), or those preventing the association of SARS-CoV-2 with its cellular receptors (i.e., administering anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies or agents that inhibit priming or binding of the spike protein) could be considered appealing perspectives. Provided that these agents are proven safe, comfortable, and compatible with daily life, we suggest prioritizing their usage in subjects at enhanced risk of contagion, during high-risk activities, as well as in patients more likely to develop severe forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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“…The safety of healthcare nasal filters is a top priority for manufacturers, and they adhere to stringent testing protocols to ensure their efficacy and user well-being. Through material biocompatibility tests, filtration efficiency assessments, airflow evaluations, and durability testing, manufacturers ensure that these filters effectively protect users from airborne pollutants while maintaining user comfort [47]. Compliance with international standards and continuous research contribute to the ongoing improvement of healthcare nasal filters, making them indispensable tools in promoting respiratory health and overall well-being.…”

Section: Ensuring Safety In Healthcare Nasal Filters: Manufacturers' ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Personalized Nasal Protective Devices: Importance and Perspectives

Quoc,

Bácskay,

Fehér

et al. 2023

Life

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Nowadays, in addition to diseases caused by environmental pollution, the importance of personalized protection against various infectious agents has become of paramount importance. Besides medicine, several technical and technological studies have been carried out to develop suitable devices. One such revolutionary solution is the use of personalized nasal filters, which allow our body to defend itself more effectively against external environmental damage and pathogens. These filters are small devices that are placed in the nose and specifically filter the inhaled environmental contaminants, allergens, and microorganisms according to individual needs. These devices not only play a key role in maintaining our health but also contribute to environmental protection, reducing the inhalation of pollutants and their harmful impact on the natural environment. Another advantage of personalized filters is that they also provide an opportunity to strengthen our individual immune systems. The use of personalized filters allows medicine to provide optimized protection for everyone, focusing on individual genetic and immunological conditions. The momentum behind the development and research of personalized nasal filters has reached astonishing proportions today. Nowadays, many research groups and medical institutions are working to create new materials, nanotechnologies, and bioinformatics solutions in order to create even more effective personalized nasal filters that can also be shaped easily and safely. Considering the needs of the users is at least as important during development as the efficiency of the device. These two properties together determine the success of the product. Industry research focuses not only on improving the efficiency of devices, but also on making them more responsive to user needs, comfort, and portability. Based on all this, it can be concluded that personalized nasal filters can be a promising and innovative solution for protection against environmental pollutants and pathogens. Through a commitment to the research and development of technology, the long-term impact of such devices on our health and the environment can be significant, contributing to improving people’s quality of life and creating a sustainable future. With unique solutions and continuous research, we give hope that in the future, despite the environmental challenges, we can enjoy the protection of our health with even more efficient and sophisticated devices.

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Operative Protocol for Testing the Efficacy of Nasal Filters in Preventing Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Cited by 3 publications

References 31 publications

A new aerodynamic endonasal filtration technology for protection against pollutants and respiratory infectious agents: evaluation of the particle filtration efficacy

A new aerodynamic endonasal filtration technology for protection against pollutants and respiratory infectious agents: evaluation of the particle filtration efficacy

Improving Nasal Protection for Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Personalized Nasal Protective Devices: Importance and Perspectives

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