Rational design of bacterial cellulose‐based air filter with antibacterial activity for highly efficient particulate matters removal

Abstract

Multifunctional air filters with efficient particulate matters (PMs) removal, low respiratory resistance and prevention harmful substances are highly demanded. Bacterial cellulose (BC) air filter can capture PMs and separate them from the airflow; however, the dense network structure sacrifices the air permeability. Herein, we incorporated silver nanowires (AgNW) to BC filter through in‐situ cultivation method to prepare a new air filter. The addition of AgNW endows BC filter with antibacterial activity and increases the porosity and air permeability. Surprisingly, AgNW incorporation achieves high‐efficiency filtration through electrostatic adsorption. The filtration efficiency of the BC/AgNW composite filter paper for PM2.5 and PM10 is as high as 99.7% and 99.8%, respectively, that are on par with commonly used 3 M masks on the market. The pressure drop is 123 Pa, which can meet market demand with satisfaction. In addition, the tailor‐made BC/AgNW owns efficient antibacterial potency to keep the human body from infecting germs and other interferences. Overall, this work indicated that the versatile composite air filter paper is promising for various applications in the environmental field and the critical need for human health.

Cellulose nanocrystals as renewable materials for suppressing hazardous PM2.5 pollution

“…15B-D). Similar PM adsorption on air filter fibers was also observed in a nanocellulose-based air filter, 15 a hierarchically structured cellulose nanofiber/zein protein nanoparticle/ wood pulp composite air filter, 16 a bacterial-cellulose-based air filter, 60 and electrospun polymeric fiber-based air filters. 13,23 The PM capture mechanism of the CNC-coated cotton mesh air filter was proposed, and is shown in Scheme 3.…”

Fabrication of air filters with advanced filtration performance for removal of viral aerosols and control the spread of COVID-19

“…Multifunctional air filters for effective removal of particulate matter, prevention of dangerous materials, and low respiratory resistance are required. Air filters based on bacterial cellulose (nano-fiber secreted through Acetobacter xylinum ), capture particulate matters from airflow [ 34 ]. Nevertheless, the dense construction sacrifices air permeability.…”

“…4 a: Schematic illustration of the preparation of BC/AgNW filter with antibacterial activity for highly efficient PMs removal, b: The photographs of the BC air filter paper before and after filtration test, c: Schematic illustration the as-prepared air filter paper for anti-bacteria. The filter material can effectively kill bacteria (Reprinted with permission from [ 34 ], Copyright 2021 Wiley). …”

“… MS2 bacteriophage Nano-Ag/TiO 2 -chitosan [ 28 ] With increasing SiO 2 /Ag coating levels, the pressure drop, filtration efficacy, as well as anti-viral effectiveness were increased. MS2 bacteriophage SiO 2 /Ag [ 31 ] ~92% anti-viral efficiency aerosolized MS2 virus SiO 2 -Ag [ 32 ] Great removal efficiency (99.30%) Particulate matter 0.3 Zein nanofibers-Ag@paper towel [ 33 ] Performance toward E.coli (99.10%) as well as S. aureus (99.62%) E. coli and S. aureus Keratin/Ag [ 34 ] The filtration efficiencies for the prepared composite filter for particulate matters 2.5 and particulate matter 10 were 99.7% and 99.8%, respectively Particulate matters 2.5 and 10 Bacterial cellulose/Ag [ 35 ] The fabricated filter displayed 99.6% and 100% bacteria reductions toward S. aureus and E. coli , respectively. S. aureus and E. coli Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Ag electrospun nano-fibers [ 36 ] 99.64 and 98.75% of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were killed Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus Ag/Zn@cotton fabric [ 38 ] The fabricated anti-viral face masks based on TiO 2 with easily sterilizable and reusable features (more than 1000 times) can provide a strong prevention device against the SARS-CoV-2 Corona and Ebola viruses TiO 2 nanowire-based filter papers Ag/Zn@cotton fabric[ 39 ] High filtration efficiency, and reduced S. aureus bacteria S. aureus TiO 2 /chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) [ 40 ] The fabricated antimicrobial air filters showed an effectiv...…”

Cost-Effective Synthesis of Bacterial Cellulose and Its Applications in the Food and Environmental Sectors

“…The in situ cultivation method was employed for the incorporation of AgNW into the BC matrix. The high filtration efficiency of 99.7 and 99.8% for PM 2.5 and PM 10 , respectively, was attributed to the electrostatic adsorption achieved by AGNW incorporation [ 159 ]. He et al reported an even distribution of modified soy protein isolate (SPI) on BC membranes.…”