Functionalized non-woven surfaces for combating the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nikhil Avinash PatilPrakash Macchindra GoreDhivya ShanmugrajanHarshal PatilMahesh KudavBalasubramanian KPublished in: Interface focus (2021)
The worldwide outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection has necessitated mandatory use of face masks, personal protective equipment and intake of a healthy diet for immunity boosting. As per WHO's recommendation, continuous use of masks has been proven effective in decreasing the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate. The present study reports on the bacterial filtration efficacy (BFE) of a novel 4-ply functionalized non-woven face mask. We synthesized a polypropylene-based fabric with inner layers of melt-blown fine fibres coated with polylactic acid and immune-boosting herbal phytochemicals. Experimental studies on the synthesized face mask demonstrated a BFE of greater than 99% against Staphylococcus aureus (a bacterium species frequently found in mammalian respiratory tract). A thorough computational analysis using LibDock algorithm demonstrated an effective docking performance of herbal phytochemicals against harmful virus structures. More importantly, the face mask also showed sufficient and stable breathability as per regulatory standards. A breathing resistance of 30 Pa at an aerosol flow rate of 30 l h -1 was reported under standard temperature and pressure conditions, indicating a high potential for real-world applications.
Keyphrases
- respiratory tract
- staphylococcus aureus
- quantum dots
- respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- positive airway pressure
- physical activity
- machine learning
- deep learning
- molecular dynamics
- biofilm formation
- air pollution
- high resolution
- emergency department
- body mass index
- obstructive sleep apnea
- coronavirus disease
- methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus
- sars cov
- mass spectrometry
- candida albicans
- adverse drug
- oxide nanoparticles