Durable nanocomposite face masks with high particulate filtration and rapid inactivation of coronaviruses.

ABSTRACT: The COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique challenge to the healthcare community due to the high infectivity rate and need for effective personal protective equipment. Zinc oxide nanoparticles have shown promising antimicrobial properties and are recognized as a safe additive in many food and cosmetic products. This work presents a novel nanocomposite synthesis approach, which allows zinc oxide nanoparticles to be grown within textile and face mask materials, including melt-blown polypropylene and nylon-cotton. The resulting nanocomposite achieves greater than 3 log₁₀ reduction (≥ 99.9%) in coronavirus titer within a contact time of 10 min, by disintegrating the viral envelope. The new nanocomposite textile retains activity even after 100 laundry cycles and has been dermatologist t

SUBMITTER: Gonzalez A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8692499 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature