Visible-Light-Driven and Self-Hydrogen-Donated Nanofibers Enable Rapid-Deployable Antimicrobial Bioprotection

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic highlights the need for advanced personal protective equipment (PPE) with effective biocidal properties.
• Current PPE lacks sufficient antimicrobial capabilities to fully prevent pathogen transmission.
• Developing sustainable and continuously active protective materials is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel green nanofibers with potent antibacterial and antiviral activities.
• To create a material capable of sustained reactive oxygen species (ROS) production for bioprotection.
• To enable rapid deployment of these functional nanofibers onto existing PPE.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of green nanofibers with inherent ROS-producing capabilities.
• Incorporation of visible light energy absorption and storage properties.
• Development of a facile spraying method for PPE modification.
• Evaluation of antibacterial and antiviral efficacies against relevant pathogens.

Main Results:

• The developed nanofibers exhibit continuous ROS production, functioning as biocides in both light and dark conditions.
• The material demonstrates excellent capacity for storing activity potential and long-term durability.
• Modified PPE achieved high bactericidal efficacy (>99.9%) and viricidal efficacy (>99.999%).
• The spraying method allows for rapid and efficient functionalization of existing protective gear.

Conclusions:

• Green nanofibers offer a sustainable solution for enhanced bioprotection with potent antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• The light-independent, continuous ROS production ensures reliable performance under various environmental conditions.
• The facile application method makes this technology readily adaptable for improving the efficacy of current PPE against pathogenic microorganisms.