Photoactive Antiviral Face Mask with Self-Sterilization and Reusability

Abstract

Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, the increasing demand and disposal of surgical masks has resulted in significant economic costs and environmental impacts. Here, we applied a dual-channel spray-assisted nanocoating hybrid of shellac/copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) to a nonwoven surgical mask, thereby increasing the hydrophobicity of the surface and repelling aqueous droplets. The resulting surface showed outstanding photoactivity (combined photocatalytic and photothermal properties) for antimicrobial action, conferring reusability and self-sterilizing ability to the masks. Under solar illumination, the temperature of this photoactive antiviral mask (PAM) rapidly increased to >70 °C, generating a high level of free radicals that disrupted the membrane of nanosized (∼100 nm) virus-like particles and made the masks self-cleaning and reusable. This PAM design can provide significant protection against the transmission of viral aerosols in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Protective Face Mask Filter Capable of Inactivating SARS-CoV-2, and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis

“…Thus, several antiviral face mask materials against SARS-CoV-2 have been recently proposed. However, all of these studies, some of them not peer-reviewed yet, propose expensive materials such as graphene [ 38 ], copper [ 39 ] or silver [ 40 ]. These antiviral composites are produced with complex and costly manufacturing processes, which render them non-viable for a global solution of the current COVID-19 pandemic strongly affecting both developed and underdeveloped countries.…”

Advances in Facemasks during the COVID-19 Pandemic Era

“…Mask demand is so high that a disposable facemask crisis has resulted; this demand and supply chain has given rise to a new critical environmental challenge by adding 250,000 tons of plastic pollution per day. 113 The preparation of polypropylene, which is used to make disposable masks, emits toxic dioxin to the environment, which is a cause of air pollution. 156 Reusable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly masks provide a solution to this problem.…”

Nanoparticles-Based Face Masks and Respirators for Preventing COVID-19 Transmission: Breathability Versus Biocidal Activities

“…Gram-negative Escherichia coli and gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus are among the most widely used bacteria in the reported studies, to test the antibacterial activities of NPs-based fabrics. 11,13,17,19,20,[22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29]32 Others have tested the biocidal activities against Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, Xanthomonas aconopodis, Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S. epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus cereus. 15,19,23,24,27,28,69 Based on those studies, the employment of various NPs could effectively kill the bacteria, including multidrug-resistant S. epidermidis and S. aureus.…”

“…72,73 Metal oxide NPs (such as ZnO, MgO, CaO, CuO, TiO 2 and so on) have biocidal activities attributed to the production of ROS from electrons and holes reaction under UV/Vis radiation. 31,32 In particular, TiO 2 NPs show promising self-cleansing properties which can photodegrade the remnant of microorganism from the fabric surface. 19,20,31,32 A challenging factor for the metal oxide NPs is the need of light exposure to induce the photocatalytic activities.…”

“…Recently, the antiviral activities of NPs-modified fabrics have also been investigated. 32,33 Hence, this future technology may contribute to more effective prevention of COVID-19 transmission or other respiratory viruses.…”