Functionalized poly(lactic acid) based nano-fabric for anti-viral applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Contagious diseases necessitate advanced protective measures like effective facemasks.
• Developing novel materials with antimicrobial properties is crucial for public health.
• Zinc (oligo-lactate) (ZL) presents potential for antimicrobial applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize antiviral and antibacterial facemasks using zinc (oligo-lactate) (ZL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA).
• To evaluate the efficacy, hydrophobicity, breathability, and reusability of the developed nanofabric facemask.
• To assess the antiviral properties against Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) and antibacterial properties against E. coli and S. aureus.

Main Methods:

• Microwave synthesis was employed to develop zinc (oligo-lactate) (ZL).
• Electrospinning of ZL with silk nanocrystal (SNC) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was used to create nanofibres.
• Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), morphological analysis, hydrophobicity, breathability, reusability, antiviral, and antibacterial tests were conducted.

Main Results:

• The prepared nano-fabric exhibited excellent antiviral and antibacterial properties.
• Morphological analysis confirmed uniform fibre distribution and diameter.
• The facemask demonstrated high hydrophobicity, good breathability, and reusability up to 4 cycles via ethanol washing.
• A 97% antiviral efficacy against NDV was achieved within 10 minutes.

Conclusions:

• The electrospun PLA/ZL nanofabric layer is suitable for facemask fabrication.
• The developed facemask possesses significant antiviral, antibacterial, hydrophobic, and breathable properties.
• This technology can aid in controlling the spread of contagious diseases.