Biocompatible curcumin coupled nanofibrous membrane for pathogens sterilization and isolation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Airborne pathogens spread respiratory diseases, necessitating effective personal protective equipment like masks.
• Curcumin (CCM) is a biocompatible antiviral agent.
• Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes offer excellent filtration properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate an efficient antiviral personal protective filter by integrating curcumin with a PTFE membrane.
• To optimize CCM loading and binding on a PET support for enhanced antiviral activity.
• To evaluate the filter's performance in terms of particle rejection, antibacterial, and antiviral efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Curcumin (CCM) was extracted and dissolved in acidified ethanol for optimal loading on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) support, forming a pre-filtration layer.
• An ultrathin PTFE membrane was laminated onto the CCM-coated PET support (creating an A-A PET filter).
• Gas permeance, ultrafine particle rejection, antibacterial rates (E. coli, B. subtilis, A. niger, Penicillium), and virucidal efficiency (SARS-CoV-2) were measured.

Main Results:

• The A-A filter demonstrated high gas permeance (3423.6 m³/(m²·h·kPa)) and ultrafine particle rejection (>98.79%).
• Significant antibacterial rates were achieved: E. coli (99.84%), B. subtilis (99.02%), A. niger (93.60%), and Penicillium (95.23%).
• The filter showed a high virucidal efficiency of 99.90% against SARS-CoV-2 within 5 minutes and maintained stability after 10 heating cycles, indicating reusability.

Conclusions:

• The developed A-A filter, integrating CCM and PTFE, is an effective antiviral personal protective material.
• The filter demonstrates excellent performance in blocking airborne particles and pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2.
• Its reusability and stability suggest practical applications in personal respiratory protection.