Sterilization and sanitizing of 3D-printed personal protective equipment using polypropylene and a Single Wall design.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic during the fall of 2019 and into the spring of 2020 has led to an increased demand of disposable N95 respirators and other types of personal protective equipment (PPE) as a way to prevent virus spread and help ensure the safety of healthcare workers. The sudden demand led to rapid modification, development, and dissemination of 3D printed PPE. The goal of this study was to determine the inherent sterility and re-sterilizing ability of 3D printed PPE in order to provide sterile equipment to the healthcare field and the general public.

Methods

Samples of polylactic acid (PLA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) (infill-based designs) and polypropylene (single-wall hollow design)

SUBMITTER: Luchini K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8193021 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature