Copper-Coated Polypropylene Filter Face Mask with SARS-CoV-2 Antiviral Ability

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Virology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Disposable face masks, particularly polypropylene (PP) filters, are crucial for preventing the transmission of airborne viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
• The need for enhanced mask efficacy against current and future viral threats, including mutant strains, remains a priority.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel antiviral face mask filter by coating polypropylene fibers with a thin copper film.
• To assess the filtration efficiency and SARS-CoV-2 inactivation capabilities of the copper-coated mask.

Main Methods:

• A 20 nm copper thin film was vacuum-deposited onto spunbond PP filters using oxygen ion beam pretreatment for improved adhesion and cuprous oxide formation.
• Filtration efficiency was tested using sodium chloride (NaCl) and paraffin oil particles.
• SARS-CoV-2 inactivation was assessed by exposing virus-laden media to the coated filters and subsequently culturing Vero cells, with infection verified by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence.

Main Results:

• The copper-coated PP filters demonstrated high filtration efficiencies: 95.1 ± 1.32% for NaCl and 91.6 ± 0.83% for paraffin oil particles.
• Exposure to the copper-coated mask resulted in a significant reduction of SARS-CoV-2, with viral gene expression (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and envelope genes) undetectable in Vero cells.
• Immunofluorescence assays indicated a reduction in viral nucleocapsid of over 75%.

Conclusions:

• Copper-coated antiviral polypropylene filters offer enhanced protection against SARS-CoV-2, reducing secondary transmission.
• These coated filters represent a promising material for advanced personal protective equipment (PPE) and air filtration systems to combat viral outbreaks.