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Biomimetic Fibrous Leaf-Vein Membrane Enabling Unidirectional Water Penetration and Effective Antibacterial PM
Ting Dong1,2,3, Yue Hua1,2, Guangting Han3
1College of Textile and Clothing, Qingdao University, #308, Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Air pollution induced by pathogenic particulate matter (PM) has posed a serious threat to public health worldwide. Advanced air filters are thus required, not only exhibiting high PM capture efficiency, low breathing resistance, and high internal moisture transferring performance but also isolating and inactivating external pathogenic aerosols. In this study, we demonstrated a facile approach to construct a biomimetic fibrous leaf-vein membrane with unidirectional water penetration and effective antibacterial PM filtration by one-step electrospinning of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-based multilayer nanofibers. With ultrathin fibers penetrating the skeletal framework of bimodal thick fibers, the membranes showed gradient interconnected porous structures and achieved a highly efficient and stable (in an acid and alkali environment) PM0.3 interception (>99.98%) with low air drag (51-71 Pa). In addition, the gradient narrow pores of the membranes contributed to a gradient higher hydrophilicity. The subsequent unidirectional water motion effectively isolates pathogenic aerosols typically generated by external individuals or ultrafast water penetration from the inverse face. Moreover, the membranes demonstrated an antibacterial efficacy (>99.99%) in a 5 min contact, inactivating the intercepted airborne pathogens efficiently. The test results proved that the proposed membranes were promising advanced air filters for respirator applications.
Insights
Researchers developed a biomimetic leaf-vein membrane for advanced air filtration. This membrane efficiently captures particulate matter (PM) and inactivates airborne pathogens, offering improved respirator safety.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Particulate matter (PM) air pollution is a global health concern.
- Existing air filters require enhanced performance in PM capture, breathability, and pathogen inactivation.
- Biomimetic designs offer novel solutions for advanced filtration materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a biomimetic fibrous leaf-vein membrane for effective air filtration.
- To achieve high particulate matter capture efficiency and low breathing resistance.
- To incorporate antibacterial properties for pathogen inactivation in air filters.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-based multilayer nanofibers via one-step electrospinning.
- Creation of gradient interconnected porous structures mimicking leaf veins.
- Characterization of PM filtration efficiency, air drag, hydrophilicity, and antibacterial activity.
Main Results:
- Achieved >99.98% PM0.3 interception efficiency with low air drag (51-71 Pa).
- Demonstrated stable performance in acidic and alkaline environments.
- Exhibited gradient hydrophilicity enabling unidirectional water penetration and pathogen isolation.
- Showcased >99.99% antibacterial efficacy within 5 minutes against airborne pathogens.
Conclusions:
- The developed biomimetic membrane offers a promising solution for advanced air filtration.
- The membrane's unique structure provides efficient PM capture, low resistance, and pathogen inactivation.
- This technology holds potential for enhancing the safety and performance of respirator applications.
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