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Surface Treatments to Enhance the Functionality of PPEs
Pallab Sinha Mahapatra1, Souvick Chatterjee2, Manish K Tiwari3,4
1Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India.
Abstract:
The outbreak of unknown viral pneumonia in Wuhan China in December 2019 led to a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which attracted worldwide attention, with the related COVID-19 disease quickly becoming a global pandemic. In about 5 months, this disease has led to ~ 4 million cases and claimed more than 200 k deaths as a result of its highly contagious nature. The present understanding is that SARS-CoV-2 is a type of influenza virus that can be transmitted through respiratory droplets and aerosols; Lewis (Nature 580:175, 2020). The primary methodology to prevent the spreading of this disease has been "social distancing" and usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) at the front lines of healthcare and other critical operations. The scale of the disease has led to unprecedented demand for PPEs and increased functionality of the same. This paper focuses on improving PPE functionality in a scalable manner by surface treatment and coating with appropriate materials and other functional enhancements, such as exposure to UV rays or other sterilizing agents (e.g., hydrogen peroxide).
Insights
This study enhances personal protective equipment (PPE) to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Surface treatments and sterilization methods are explored to improve PPE functionality and scalability for healthcare workers.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Materials Science
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, emerged in late 2019, rapidly becoming a global health crisis.
- High transmissibility via respiratory droplets and aerosols necessitates robust infection control measures.
- Unprecedented demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) has highlighted the need for enhanced functionality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To improve the functionality and scalability of personal protective equipment (PPE) against SARS-CoV-2.
- To explore surface treatment and coating strategies for enhanced PPE.
- To investigate sterilization methods for improved PPE efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Surface modification and coating of PPE materials.
- Application of sterilizing agents such as UV rays and hydrogen peroxide.
- Evaluation of functional enhancements for scalable implementation.
Main Results:
- The study focuses on methods to improve PPE functionality.
- Scalable surface treatments and coatings are investigated.
- Sterilization techniques are explored for enhanced protective capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Improving PPE functionality through surface treatments and sterilization is crucial for pandemic response.
- Scalable enhancement methods can address the high demand for effective PPE.
- Further research into advanced materials and sterilization is warranted for future public health challenges.
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