Integrating Alkali Lignin into Electrospun PET Nanofibers for Enhanced Viral Protection in Respiratory Masks

This study presents the development of an antiviral nonwoven nanofiber fabric composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and alkali lignin, fabricated via solution electrospinning for potential use in face mask filtration media. Alkali lignin, a biobased antimicrobial agent, was incorporated into the PET matrix to enhance both antimicrobial and antiviral efficacy. Various PET concentrations and electrospinning parameters were optimized to achieve uniform, bead-free fibers with nanoscale diameters. Among the tested formulations, 20 wt % alkali lignin loading yielded nanofibers with an average diameter of 290 nm, demonstrating improved hydrophilicity and enhanced fiber morphology. SEM analysis confirmed the uniformity of the fiber structure, while FTIR spectroscopy suggested hydrogen bonding interactions between PET and lignin. Antimicrobial assays showed that the PET-lignin 20 wt % composite completely inhibited the growth of both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli within 1 h. Moreover, antiviral testing indicated more than a 2-log reduction in human coronavirus titers after 2 h of exposure. The fabricated PET-lignin nanofibers offer a sustainable alternative to conventional polypropylene-based mask materials, featuring enhanced biocompatibility and potential recyclability. These findings highlight the prospective utilization of lignin-integrated PET nanofibers in advanced healthcare and biomedical applications, including antiviral filtration, medical textiles, and tissue engineering scaffolds, while contributing to environmental sustainability through the reutilization of biowaste-derived compounds.