The effectivity of banana leaf-filtered cloth face masks as an alternative protection during the pandemic

Abstract

The main transmission route of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is through individual droplets of respiratory secretions. Accordingly, the most basic preventive measure is wearing a face mask. Since the issue of medical waste during the pandemic is concerning, developing face masks made of reusable and biodegradable materials is necessary. This study aimed to develop "do-it-yourself"<em> </em>face masks and test the effectiveness of banana leaf-filtered cloth face masks. The design development was conducted by a series of trials for making a mask pattern that can be applied to the cloth. Then, we performed bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) and water resistance tests to investigate the effectiveness of banana leaf-filtered cloth-based face masks. The dimensions of the developed face mask are 20x18 cm, with a semi-duckbill model, consisting of three layers of washable cotton cloth and a pocket designed for the banana leaf filter. Among 34 leaf-filtered face masks, 61.8% showed water resistance abilities. Based on the BFE test, the leaf-filtered face masks contained significantly fewer bacteria (the average of 0.417x10<sup>3 </sup>cfu/cm<sup>2</sup>) compared to the cloth face masks without additional leaf filter (30x10<sup>3 </sup>cfu/cm<sup>2</sup>). Thus, banana leaf-filtered cloth face masks could be considered as alternative protection during the pandemic.

Public acceptance of banana leaf-filtered cloth masks as an alternative for medical masks

“…Moreover, it is known from our previous study that banana leaves have the ability to filter the bacteria. 8 Therefore, it becomes an easy-to-obtain alternative to help people increase their self-defense against SARS-CoV-2.…”

“…This study used a survey to assess the public acceptance of the banana leaf-filtered cloth mask that we previously developed. 8 This survey used the Usefulness, Satisfaction and Ease of use (USE) questionnaire with some adjustments. The use of the USE questionnaires aims to see the overview of public acceptance based on three aspects: 1) the usefulness: 2) the satisfaction; and 3) the ease of use.…”

“…Based on these problems, we previously developed a modification of face masks (banana leaf-filtered cloth mask or "Masker Godong-Gombal" [Masker Go Go]) made of local materials which are affordable. 8 This newly designed mask has two characteristics: 1) it can be made from various types of used cloths; and 2) it is layered with a banana leaf filter. Our previous study showed that the combination of cloth masks with banana leaf filters had better Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) compared to the cloth face masks alone.…”

“…This mask combination also had 61.8% water resistance. 8 In addition, banana leaves are natural ingredients that can be used directly and are environmentally friendly because they are biodegradable.…”