Functional Fiber Membranes with Antibacterial Properties for Face Masks

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Reusable face masks are crucial for cost reduction and sustainability during pandemics.
• Enhancing mask longevity requires self-cleaning materials to deactivate contaminants.
• Durable catalysts are needed to maintain mask function and filtration efficiency over time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop self-cleaning fibrous membranes for reusable face masks.
• To functionalize polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fibers with photocatalytic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs).
• To evaluate the self-cleaning, antibacterial, and filtration properties of the functionalized fibers.

Main Methods:

• Coaxial electrospinning to create PDMS core-shell fibers.
• Immobilization of ZnO NPs via colloid-electrospinning or post-functionalization.
• Assessment of photocatalytic dye degradation and antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus.
• Measurement of air permeability and filtration efficiency for PM1.0 particles.

Main Results:

• Functionalized PDMS fibers demonstrated photocatalytic degradation of a photo-sensitive dye.
• The fibers exhibited antibacterial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria via reactive oxygen species generation.
• A single layer of the membrane achieved 65% filtration efficiency for PM1.0 particles with good air permeability.

Conclusions:

• The developed ZnO NP-functionalized PDMS fibers offer a promising approach for creating durable, self-cleaning, and reusable face masks.
• These materials can effectively degrade contaminants and combat bacterial growth upon UV irradiation.
• The balance of filtration efficiency and air permeability supports their application in respiratory protection.