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Ghosh S, Dave V, Sharma P, Patel A, Kuila A. Protective face mask: an effective weapon against SARS-CoV-2 with controlled environmental pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:41656-41682. [PMID: 37968481 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30460-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Masks are face coverings that give protection from infectious agents, airborne pathogens, bacteria, viruses, surgical fog, dust, and other chemical hazards by acting as a barrier between the wearer and the environment. In the COVID-19 pandemic, this major personal protective equipment's became essential part of our daily life. The aim of this review is to analyze and discuss the different types of masks with their pros and cons, manufacturing procedures, evaluation criteria, and application with some of the sterilization process for reuse and smart mask. The review used a thorough examination of the literature to analyze the preventive effects of surgical, N95, smart mask, and potential environmental damage from those masks. Several studies and evidence were also examined to understand the efficiency of different mask on different environment. N95 respirators are capable of filtering out non-oil-based 95% air-born particles, and surgical masks act as a protective barrier between the wearer and the environment. The application of spoon bond and melt blown techniques in the fabrication process of those masks improves their protective nature and makes them lightweight and comfortable. But the high demand and low supply forced users to reuse and extend their use after sterilizations, even though those masks are recommended to be used once. Universal masking in the SARS-COV-2 pandemic increased the chance of environmental pollution, so the application of smart masks became essential because of their high protection power and self-sterilizing and reusing capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shovan Ghosh
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Science, Central University of South Bihar, Bihar, India
| | - Vivek Dave
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Science, Central University of South Bihar, Bihar, India.
| | - Prashansa Sharma
- Department of Home Science, Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Akash Patel
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Science, Central University of South Bihar, Bihar, India
| | - Arindam Kuila
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Sikar, Rajasthan, 304022, India
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2
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Lyu L, Peng H, An C, Sun H, Yang X, Bi H. An insight into the benefits of substituting polypropylene with biodegradable polylactic acid face masks for combating environmental emissions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167137. [PMID: 37734618 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Mask waste can affect the natural environment and human health. In this study, the life cycle assessment (LCA) of two types of face masks (Polylactic acid (PLA) and Polypropylene (PP)) was first performed to evaluate the environmental impacts from production to end-of-life, and then, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were estimated for each life stage. The GHG emissions for one functional unit of PP and PLA face masks were estimated to be 6.27E+07 and 5.06E+07 kg CO2 eq, respectively. Explicitly, PLA mask production emissions are 37 % lower as compared to those for PP masks. Packaging has been recognized as a major GHG source throughout the product's life cycle. This study may provide a new insight into the environmental benefits of reducing GHG emissions within PLA face mask life cycles. Biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials can be used in the manufacturing and packaging of face masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxiang Lyu
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - He Peng
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada.
| | - Huijuan Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiaohan Yang
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Huifang Bi
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
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3
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Cubas ALV, Moecke EHS, Provin AP, Dutra ARA, Machado MM, Gouveia IC. The Impacts of Plastic Waste from Personal Protective Equipment Used during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3151. [PMID: 37571045 PMCID: PMC10421242 DOI: 10.3390/polym15153151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The period from 2019 to 2022 has been defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an unprecedented demand for and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). However, the disposal of PPE without considering its environmental impact and proper waste management practices has become a growing concern. The increased demand for PPE during the pandemic and associated waste management practices have been analyzed. Additionally, the discussion around treating these residues and exploring more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable or reusable PPE, is crucial. The extensive use of predominantly non-degradable plastics in PPE has led to their accumulation in landfills, with potential consequences for marine environments through the formation of microplastics. Therefore, this article seeks to establish a connection between these issues and the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the importance of efficient management aligned with sustainable development objectives to address these emerging challenges and ensure a more sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anelise Leal Vieira Cubas
- Environmental Science Master’s Program, University of Southern Santa Catarina (Unisul), Avenida Pedra Branca, 25, Palhoça 88137-270, Brazil; (E.H.S.M.); (A.P.P.); (A.R.A.D.)
| | - Elisa Helena Siegel Moecke
- Environmental Science Master’s Program, University of Southern Santa Catarina (Unisul), Avenida Pedra Branca, 25, Palhoça 88137-270, Brazil; (E.H.S.M.); (A.P.P.); (A.R.A.D.)
| | - Ana Paula Provin
- Environmental Science Master’s Program, University of Southern Santa Catarina (Unisul), Avenida Pedra Branca, 25, Palhoça 88137-270, Brazil; (E.H.S.M.); (A.P.P.); (A.R.A.D.)
| | - Ana Regina Aguiar Dutra
- Environmental Science Master’s Program, University of Southern Santa Catarina (Unisul), Avenida Pedra Branca, 25, Palhoça 88137-270, Brazil; (E.H.S.M.); (A.P.P.); (A.R.A.D.)
| | - Marina Medeiros Machado
- Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP), Ouro Preto 35402-163, Brazil;
| | - Isabel C. Gouveia
- FibEnTech R&D—Fiber Materials and Environmental Technologies, University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d’Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal;
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Rossin ARS, Spessato L, Cardoso FDSL, Caetano J, Caetano W, Radovanovic E, Dragunski DC. Electrospinning in personal protective equipment for healthcare work. Polym Bull (Berl) 2023:1-24. [PMID: 37362955 PMCID: PMC10183089 DOI: 10.1007/s00289-023-04814-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Protection in many service areas is mandatory for good performance in daily activities of workers, especially health areas. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used to protect patients and health workers from contamination by harmful pathogens and body fluids during clinical attendance. The pandemic scenario caused by SARS-CoV-2 has shown that the world is not prepared to face global disease outbreaks, especially when it comes to the PPE of healthcare workers. In the last years, the world has faced a deficiency in the development of advanced technologies to produce high-quality PPE to attend to the exponential increasing demand. Electrospinning is a technology that can be used to produce high-quality PPE by improving the protective action of clothing. In the face of this concern, this manuscript presents as focus the potential of electrospinning to be applied in protective clothing. PPE mostly used by healthcare workers are also presented. The physico-chemical characteristics and production processes of medical textiles for PPE are addressed. Furthermore, an overview of the electrospinning technique is shown. It is important to highlight most research about electrospinning applied to PPE for health areas presents gaps and challenges; thus, future projections are also addressed in this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Regina Souza Rossin
- Department of Chemistry, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná 87020-900 Brazil
- Center of Engineering and Exact Sciences, State University of West Paraná, Toledo, Paraná 85903-000 Brazil
| | - Lucas Spessato
- Department of Chemistry, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná 87020-900 Brazil
| | - Fabiana da Silva Lima Cardoso
- Department of Chemistry, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná 87020-900 Brazil
- Center of Engineering and Exact Sciences, State University of West Paraná, Toledo, Paraná 85903-000 Brazil
| | - Josiane Caetano
- Center of Engineering and Exact Sciences, State University of West Paraná, Toledo, Paraná 85903-000 Brazil
| | - Wilker Caetano
- Department of Chemistry, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná 87020-900 Brazil
| | - Eduardo Radovanovic
- Department of Chemistry, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná 87020-900 Brazil
| | - Douglas Cardoso Dragunski
- Department of Chemistry, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná 87020-900 Brazil
- Center of Engineering and Exact Sciences, State University of West Paraná, Toledo, Paraná 85903-000 Brazil
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5
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Munir MU, Mayer-Gall T, Gutmann JS, Ali W, Etemad-Parishanzadeh O, Khanzada H, Mikučioniene D. Development of Carbon-Nanodot-Loaded PLA Nanofibers and Study of Their Barrier Performance for Medical Applications. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:nano13071195. [PMID: 37049289 PMCID: PMC10096691 DOI: 10.3390/nano13071195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) all round the world and, in turn, it has also increased the waste caused by disposable PPE. This has exerted a severe environmental impact, so in our work, we propose the utilization of a sustainable electrospun nanofiber based on poly lactic acid (PLA), as it is biobased and conditionally degradable. We optimized the weight percentage of the PLA-precursor solution and found that 19% PLA produces fine nanofibers with good morphology. We also introduced carbon nanodots (CNDs) in the nanofibers and evaluated their antibacterial efficiency. We used 1, 2, 3, and 4% CNDs with 19% PLA and found increased antibacterial activity with increased concentrations of CNDs. Additionally, we also applied a spunbond-nanofiber layered assembly for the medical face masks and found that with the addition of only 0.45 mg/cm2 on the nonwoven sheet, excellent particle filtration efficiency of 96.5% and a differential pressure of 39 Pa/cm2 were achieved, meeting the basic requirements for Type I medical face masks (ASTM-F2100).
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Usman Munir
- Department of Production Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentų 56, LT-51424 Kaunas, Lithuania; (H.K.); (D.M.)
| | - Thomas Mayer-Gall
- Deutsches Textilforschungszentrum Nord-West gGmbH, Adlerstr. 1, D-47798 Krefeld, Germany; (T.M.-G.); (W.A.); (O.E.-P.)
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Center for Nanointegration (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 2, D-45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Jochen S. Gutmann
- Deutsches Textilforschungszentrum Nord-West gGmbH, Adlerstr. 1, D-47798 Krefeld, Germany; (T.M.-G.); (W.A.); (O.E.-P.)
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Center for Nanointegration (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 2, D-45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Wael Ali
- Deutsches Textilforschungszentrum Nord-West gGmbH, Adlerstr. 1, D-47798 Krefeld, Germany; (T.M.-G.); (W.A.); (O.E.-P.)
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Center for Nanointegration (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 2, D-45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Omid Etemad-Parishanzadeh
- Deutsches Textilforschungszentrum Nord-West gGmbH, Adlerstr. 1, D-47798 Krefeld, Germany; (T.M.-G.); (W.A.); (O.E.-P.)
| | - Haleema Khanzada
- Department of Production Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentų 56, LT-51424 Kaunas, Lithuania; (H.K.); (D.M.)
| | - Daiva Mikučioniene
- Department of Production Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentų 56, LT-51424 Kaunas, Lithuania; (H.K.); (D.M.)
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6
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Leoni C, Majorani C, Cresti R, Marcello I, Berardi E, Fava L, Attias L, D'Ilio S. Determination and risk assessment of phthalates in face masks. An Italian study. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130176. [PMID: 36283214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Serious human health concerns have been recently raised from daily use of face masks, due to the possible presence of hazardous compounds as the phthalic acid esters (PAEs). In this study, the content of 11 PAEs in 35 commercial masks was assessed by applying a specific and accurate method, using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. Surgical, FFP2 and non-surgical models, for both adults and children were collected from the Italian market. Analyses showed that four of the target analytes were detected in all tested samples with median total concentrations ranging between 23.6 mg/kg and 54.3 mg/kg. Results obtained from the experimental analysis were used in the risk assessment studies carried out for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects. Doses of exposure (Dexp) of PAEs ranged from 6.43 × 10-5 mg/kg bw/day to 1.43 × 10-2 mg/kg bw/day. Cumulative risk assessment was performed for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects. No potential risk was found for non-carcinogenic effects, yet the 20% of the mask samples showed potential carcinogenic effects for humans. A refined exposure assessment was performed showing no risk for carcinogenic effects. This paper presents a risk assessment approach for the identification of potential risks associated to the use of face masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Leoni
- National Centre for Chemicals, Cosmetic Products and Consumer Health Protection, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Costanza Majorani
- National Centre for Chemicals, Cosmetic Products and Consumer Health Protection, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Cresti
- National Centre for Chemicals, Cosmetic Products and Consumer Health Protection, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ida Marcello
- National Centre for Chemicals, Cosmetic Products and Consumer Health Protection, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luca Fava
- National Centre for Chemicals, Cosmetic Products and Consumer Health Protection, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonello Attias
- National Centre for Chemicals, Cosmetic Products and Consumer Health Protection, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia D'Ilio
- National Centre for Chemicals, Cosmetic Products and Consumer Health Protection, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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7
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Ranjbari M, Shams Esfandabadi Z, Gautam S, Ferraris A, Scagnelli SD. Waste management beyond the COVID-19 pandemic: Bibliometric and text mining analyses. GONDWANA RESEARCH : INTERNATIONAL GEOSCIENCE JOURNAL 2023; 114:124-137. [PMID: 35153532 PMCID: PMC8816840 DOI: 10.1016/j.gr.2021.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the demand for personal protective equipment, in particular face masks, thus leading to a huge amount of healthcare waste generated worldwide. Consequently, such an unprecedented amount of newly emerged waste has posed significant challenges to practitioners, policy-makers, and municipal authorities involved in waste management (WM) systems. This research aims at mapping the COVID-19-related scientific production to date in the field of WM. In this vein, the performance indicators of the target literature were analyzed and discussed through conducting a bibliometric analysis. The conceptual structure of COVID-19-related WM research, including seven main research themes, were uncovered and visualized through a text mining analysis as follows: (1) household and food waste, (2) personnel safety and training for waste handling, (3) sustainability and circular economy, (4) personal protective equipment and plastic waste, (5) healthcare waste management practices, (6) wastewater management, and (7) COVID-19 transmission through infectious waste. Finally, a research agenda for WM practices and activities in the post-COVID-19 era was proposed, focusing on the following three identified research gaps: (i) developing a systemic framework to properly manage the pandemic crisis implications for WM practices as a whole, following a systems thinking approach, (ii) building a circular economy model encompassing all activities from the design stage to the implementation stage, and (iii) proposing incentives to effectively involve informal sectors and local capacity in decentralizing municipal waste management, with a specific focus on developing and less-developed countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meisam Ranjbari
- Department of Economics and Statistics "Cognetti de Martiis", University of Turin, Torino, Italy
- ESSCA School of Management, Lyon, France
| | - Zahra Shams Esfandabadi
- Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering (DIATI), Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy
- Energy Center Lab, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Sneha Gautam
- Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Alberto Ferraris
- Department of Management, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
- Laboratory for International and Regional Economics, Graduate School of Economics and Management, Ural Federal University, Russia
- Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Simone Domenico Scagnelli
- Department of Management, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
- School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
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8
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de Almeida DS, Scacchetti FAP, Santos R, Aguiar ML, Beal A, Rudke AP, Santana MHDS, Lisboa AMV, Bezerra FM, Martins LD. Evaluation of biocidal properties of biodegradable nanofiber filters and their use in face masks. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2023; 44:686-694. [PMID: 34524952 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2021.1982020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Due to the recent coronavirus-2019 pandemic, several studies have emerged looking for new materials, especially with biocidal characteristics. Thus, the present research investigates the antibacterial properties of biodegradable cellulose acetate (CA) / cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB) electrospun nanofibers, their aerosol filtration, and the possible use as a filter media of surgical face masks. Then, samples of these nanofibers were produced over a nonwoven substrate, using different volumes of polymeric solution during the electrospinning process. The evaluation of the antibacterial properties of the nanofibers was performed for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using quantitative methods. The aerosol filtration performance was evaluated in these samples for NaCl nanoparticles (from 7-300 nm) and with 8 mL min-1 of air flow rate. The results show that the single use of the surfactant has antibacterial properties from a concentration of 39 µg mL-1 of solution. The nanofibers presented a reduction of 100% for both bacteria. Air filtration tests showed 126.03 and 207.73 Pa cm-² of pressure drops and 63 and 77% of aerosol filtration efficiency (FE) for samples with 0.13 and 0.15 mL, respectively. Regarding the nanofiber produced with 0.35 mL, the value obtained was 115.13 ± 33.64 Pa cm-2 and 3.15% of particle penetration. These breathability values are higher than those required for the surgical face mask standard, indicating that improvements in the porosity and thickness are necessary to meet the Brazilian requirements. However, the nanofibers could be applied as filter media for indoor air conditioning systems due to their FE and biocidal properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela S de Almeida
- Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
- Federal University of Technology - Paraná, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Roberta Santos
- Federal University of Technology - Paraná, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandra Beal
- Federal University of Technology - Paraná, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Leila D Martins
- Federal University of Technology - Paraná, Londrina, PR, Brazil
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Colombian Sustainability Perspective on Fused Deposition Modeling Technology: Opportunity to Develop Recycled and Biobased 3D Printing Filaments. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15030528. [PMID: 36771829 PMCID: PMC9921848 DOI: 10.3390/polym15030528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In the context of the preservation of natural resources, researchers show a growing interest in developing eco-friendly materials based on recycled polymers and natural fiber biocomposites to minimize plastic and agroindustrial waste pollution. The development of new materials must be integrated within the circular economy concepts to guarantee sustainable production. In parallel, fused deposition modeling, an additive manufacturing technology, provides the opportunity to use these new materials in an efficient and sustainable manner. This review presents the context of plastics and agro-industrial fiber pollution, followed by the opportunity to give them added value by applying circular economy concepts and implementing these residues to develop new materials for the manufacture of fused deposition modeling 3D printing technique feedstock. Colombian perspective is highlighted since 3D printing technology is growing there, and Colombian biodiversity represents a high reservoir of materials. Also, recycling in Colombia promotes compliance with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
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10
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Worldwide fight against COVID-19 using nanotechnology, polymer science, and 3D printing technology. Polym Bull (Berl) 2023; 80:165-183. [PMID: 35106016 PMCID: PMC8794596 DOI: 10.1007/s00289-021-04006-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
One of the lethal illnesses that humanity has ever seen is COVID-19 irrefutably. The speed of virus spread is high and happens through polluted surfaces, respiratory droplets, and bodily fluids. It was found that without an efficient vaccine or specific treatment using personal protective equipment, preventing contamination of hands, and social distancing are the best ways to stay safe during the present pandemic. In this line, polymers, nanotechnology, and additive manufacturing, or 3D printing technology have been considered to probe, sense, and treat COVID-19. All aforementioned fields showed undeniable roles during the COVID-19 pandemic, which their contributions have been reviewed here. Finally, the effect of COVID-19 on the environment, alongside its positive and negative effects has been mentioned.
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11
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Jiang H, Luo D, Wang L, Zhang Y, Wang H, Wang C. A review of disposable facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic: A focus on microplastics release. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 312:137178. [PMID: 36368541 PMCID: PMC9640709 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 epidemic seriously threats the human society and provokes the panic of the public. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are widely utilized for frontline health workers to face the ongoing epidemic, especially disposable face masks (DFMs) to prevent airborne transmission of coronavirus. The overproduction and massive utilization of DFMs seriously challenge the management of plastic wastes. A huge amount of DFMs are discharged into environment, potentially induced the generation of microplastics (MPs) owing to physicochemical destruction. The MPs release will pose severe contamination burden on environment and human. In this review, environmental threats of DFMs regarding to DFMs fate in environment and DFMs threats to aquatic and terrestrial species were surveyed. A full summary of recent studies on MPs release from DFMs was provided. The knowledge of extraction and characterizations of MPs, the release behavior, and potential threats of MPs derived from DFMs was discussed. To confront the problem, feasible strategies for control DFMs pollution were analyzed from the perspective of source control and waste management. This review provides a better understanding the threats, fate, and management of DFMs linked to COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongru Jiang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Luo
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Luyao Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yingshuang Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Chongqing Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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12
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Meghana MC, Nandhini C, Benny L, George L, Varghese A. A road map on synthetic strategies and applications of biodegradable polymers. Polym Bull (Berl) 2022; 80:1-50. [PMID: 36530484 PMCID: PMC9735231 DOI: 10.1007/s00289-022-04565-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Biodegradable polymers have emerged as fascinating materials due to their non-toxicity, environmentally benign nature and good mechanical strength. The toxic effects of non-biodegradable plastics paved way for the development of sustainable and biodegradable polymers. The engineering of biodegradable polymers employing various strategies like radical ring opening polymerization, enzymatic ring opening polymerization, anionic ring opening polymerization, photo-initiated radical polymerization, chemoenzymatic method, enzymatic polymerization, ring opening polymerization and coordinative ring opening polymerization have been discussed in this review. The application of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles in the biomedical field and cosmetic industry is considered to be an emerging field of interest. However, this review mainly highlights the applications of selected biodegradable polymers like polylactic acid, poly(ε-caprolactone), polyethylene glycol, polyhydroxyalkanoates, poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and polytrimethyl carbonate in various fields like agriculture, biomedical, biosensing, food packaging, automobiles, wastewater treatment, textile and hygiene, cosmetics and electronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. C. Meghana
- Department of Chemistry, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029 India
| | - C. Nandhini
- Department of Chemistry, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029 India
| | - Libina Benny
- Department of Chemistry, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029 India
| | - Louis George
- Department of Chemistry, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029 India
| | - Anitha Varghese
- Department of Chemistry, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029 India
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13
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Martín-Blanco C, Zamorano M, Lizárraga C, Molina-Moreno V. The Impact of COVID-19 on the Sustainable Development Goals: Achievements and Expectations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16266. [PMID: 36498340 PMCID: PMC9739062 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on almost all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), leaving no country unaffected. It has caused a shift in political agendas, but also in lines of research. At the same time, the world is trying to make the transition to a more sustainable economic model. The research objectives of this paper are to explore the impact of COVID-19 on the fulfilment of the SDGs with regard to the research of the scientific community, and to analyze the presence of the Circular Economy (CE) in the literature. To this end, this research applies bibliometric analysis and a systematic review of the literature, using VOSviewer for data visualization. Five clusters were detected and grouped according to the three dimensions of sustainability. The extent of the effects of the health, economic and social crisis resulting from the pandemic, in addition to the climate crisis, is still uncertain, but it seems clear that the main issues are inefficient waste management, supply chain issues, adaptation to online education and energy concerns. The CE has been part of the solution to this crisis, and it is seen as an ideal model to be promoted based on the opportunities detected.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Montserrat Zamorano
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain
| | - Carmen Lizárraga
- Department of Applied Economics, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain
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14
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Song G, Cao H, Liu L, Jin M. Analysis of Marine Microplastic Pollution of Disposable Masks under COVID-19 Epidemic-A DPSIR Framework. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16299. [PMID: 36498372 PMCID: PMC9735856 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Marine microplastic pollution (MMP) is becoming one of the most pressing environmental problems facing humanity today. The novel coronavirus epidemic has raised the issue of environmental contamination caused by large-scale improper disposal of medical waste such as disposable masks (DMs). To assess the impact of MMP caused by DMs and to seek solutions for the prevention and control of MMP, this study uses the Driving force-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework to establish a causal chain of MMP caused by DMs. The conclusion shows that the novel coronavirus epidemic has led to a surge in the use of DMs, which has brought pressure on resource constraints and environmental pollution at the same time. Improperly DMs enter the environment and eventually transform into MMP, which not only endangers the marine ecological system but also poses potential human health risks as well as economic and social hazards. In addition, further research on environmentally friendly masks (cloth masks and biodegradable masks) is essential to mitigate the environmental damage caused by the large-scale global use of DMs. This study provides a scientific and theoretical basis for the assessment of MMP from discarded DMs, and the findings of this study will provide a reference for the formulation of relevant policies.
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15
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A Review of the Fabrication Methods, Testing, and Performance of Face Masks. INT J POLYM SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/2161869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Improvement in the performance and compatibility of face masks has remained the focus of researchers in recent years, especially after the emergence of the COVID pandemic. Although a lot of progress in the design, tolerability, and comfort of the mask has been reported, there are certain limitations, requiring further improvement. The present review aims to highlight the filtration efficacy, comfort, and associated characteristic of various types of face masks and respirators as a function of their design and structure. In addition, the air pollutants, their adverse effects on health, certified respirators, and face masks are also discussed. The present review also provides an insight into different types of commercially available face masks in terms of their materials, filtration efficiency, and limitations. The role of emerging trends (such as nanotechnology and high-performance polymers) in the improvement and development of face masks and respirators is also discussed.
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16
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Haque F, Fan C. Prospect of microplastic pollution control under the "New normal" concept beyond COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION 2022; 367:133027. [PMID: 35821718 PMCID: PMC9257196 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.133027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has led to increasing demand for single-use plastic which aggravates the already existing plastic waste problem. Not only does the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) increase, but also people shift their preference to online shopping and food delivery to comply with administrative policies for COVID-19 pandemic control. The used PPEs, packaging materials, and food containers may not be handled or recycled properly after their disposal. As a result, the mismanaged plastic waste is discharged into the environment and it may pose even greater risks after breaking into smaller fragments, which was regarded as the source of secondary microplastics (MPs, < 5 mm) or nanoplastics (NPs, < 1 μm). The main objective of this manuscript is to provide a review of the studies related to microplastic release due to pandemic-associated plastic waste. This study summarizes the limited work published on the ecotoxicological/toxicological effect of MPs/NPs released from PPE on aquatic organisms, soil organisms, as well as humans. Given the current status of research on MPs from COVID-related plastic waste, the immediate research directions needed on this topic were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Haque
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd, Da-An District, Taipei, Taiwan, 10617
| | - Chihhao Fan
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd, Da-An District, Taipei, Taiwan, 10617
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17
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Guo S, Wang P, Song P, Li N. Electrospinning of botanicals for skin wound healing. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1006129. [PMID: 36199360 PMCID: PMC9527302 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1006129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Being the first barrier between the human body and external environments, our skin is highly vulnerable to injuries. As one of the conventional therapies, botanicals prepared in different topical formulations have been applied as medical care for centuries. With the current increase of clinical requirements, applications of botanicals are heading towards nanotechnologies, typically fused with electrospinning that forms nanofibrous membranes suitable for skin wound healing. In this review, we first introduced the main process of wound healing, and then presented botanicals integrated into electrospun matrices as either loaded drugs, or carriers, or membrane coatings. In addition, by addressing functional features of individual botanicals in the healing of injured skin, we further discussed the bioactivity of botanical electrospun membranes in relevant to the medical issues solved in the process of wound healing. As achieved by pioneer studies, due to infrequent adverse effects and the diversity in resources of natural plants, the development of electrospun products based on botanicals is gaining greater attention. However, investigations in this field have mainly focused on different methodologies used in the preparation of nanofibrous membranes containing botanicals, their translation into clinical practices remains unaddressed. Accordingly, we propose that potential clinical applications of botanical electrospun membranes require not only the further expansion and understanding of botanicals, but also an establishment of standard criteria for the evaluation of wound healing and evolutions of technologies to support the large-scale manufacturing industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pengyu Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Song
- Department of Dermatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Ning Li, ; Ping Song,
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Ning Li, ; Ping Song,
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18
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Shen H, Han M, Shen Y, Shuai D. Electrospun Nanofibrous Membranes for Controlling Airborne Viruses: Present Status, Standardization of Aerosol Filtration Tests, and Future Development. ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU 2022; 2:290-309. [PMID: 35928556 PMCID: PMC9342653 DOI: 10.1021/acsenvironau.1c00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic has raised great public concern about the airborne transmission of viral pathogens. Virus-laden aerosols with small size could be suspended in the air for a long duration and remain infectious. Among a series of measures implemented to mitigate the airborne spread of infectious diseases, filtration by face masks, respirators, and air filters is a potent nonpharmacologic intervention. Compared with conventional air filtration media, nanofibrous membranes fabricated via electrospinning are promising candidates for controlling airborne viruses due to their desired characteristics, i.e., a reduced pore size (submicrometers to several micrometers), a larger specific surface area and porosity, and retained surface and volume charges. So far, a wide variety of electrospun nanofibrous membranes have been developed for aerosol filtration, and they have shown excellent filtration performance. However, current studies using electrospinning for controlling airborne viruses vary significantly in the practice of aerosol filtration tests, including setup configurations and operations. The discrepancy among various studies makes it difficult, if not impossible, to compare filtration performance. Therefore, there is a pressing need to establish a standardized protocol for evaluating the electrospun nanofibrous membranes' performance for removing viral aerosols. In this perspective, we first reviewed the properties and performance of diverse filter media, including electrospun nanofibrous membranes, for removing viral aerosols. Next, aerosol filtration protocols for electrospun nanofibrous membranes were discussed with respect to the aerosol generation, filtration, collection, and detection. Thereafter, standardizing the aerosol filtration test system for electrospun nanofibrous membranes was proposed. In the end, the future advancement of electrospun nanofibrous membranes for enhanced air filtration was discussed. This perspective provides a comprehensive understanding of status and challenges of electrospinning for air filtration, and it sheds light on future nanomaterial and protocol development for controlling airborne viruses, preventing the spread of infectious diseases, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongchen Shen
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, United States
| | - Minghao Han
- Department
of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Yun Shen
- Department
of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Danmeng Shuai
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, United States
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19
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Bhattacharjee S, Bahl P, Chughtai AA, Heslop D, MacIntyre CR. Face masks and respirators: Towards sustainable materials and technologies to overcome the shortcomings and challenges. NANO SELECT 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/nano.202200101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shovon Bhattacharjee
- Biosecurity Program The Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine University of New South Wales Kensington Sydney Australia
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Faculty of Engineering and Technology Noakhali Science and Technology University Noakhali Bangladesh
| | - Prateek Bahl
- School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
| | - Abrar Ahmad Chughtai
- School of Population Health Faculty of Medicine University of New South Wales Kensington Sydney Australia
| | - David Heslop
- School of Population Health Faculty of Medicine University of New South Wales Kensington Sydney Australia
| | - C. Raina MacIntyre
- Biosecurity Program The Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine University of New South Wales Kensington Sydney Australia
- College of Public Service and Community Solutions and College of Health Solutions Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
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20
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Air pollution control for indoor environments using nanofiber filters: a brief review and post-pandemic perspectives. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL ADVANCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2022.100330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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21
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Rahman MZ, Hoque ME, Alam MR, Rouf MA, Khan SI, Xu H, Ramakrishna S. Face Masks to Combat Coronavirus (COVID-19)-Processing, Roles, Requirements, Efficacy, Risk and Sustainability. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:1296. [PMID: 35406172 PMCID: PMC9003287 DOI: 10.3390/polym14071296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasingly prevalent respiratory infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19) have posed severe threats to public health. Viruses including coronavirus, influenza, and so on can cause respiratory infections. A pandemic may potentially emerge owing to the worldwide spread of the virus through persistent human-to-human transmission. However, transmission pathways may vary; respiratory droplets or airborne virus-carrying particles can have a key role in transmitting infections to humans. In conjunction with social distancing, hand cleanliness, and other preventative measures, the use of face masks is considered to be another scientific approach to combat ubiquitous coronavirus. Different types of face masks are produced using a range of materials (e.g., polypropylene, polyacrylonitrile, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyester and polyethylene) and manufacturing techniques (woven, knitted, and non-woven) that provide different levels of protection to the users. However, the efficacy and proper disposal/management of the used face masks, particularly the ones made of non-biodegradable polymers, pose great environmental concerns. This review compiles the recent advancements of face masks, covering their requirements, materials and techniques used, efficacy, challenges, risks, and sustainability towards further enhancement of the quality and performance of face masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Zillur Rahman
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST), Dhaka 1208, Bangladesh
| | - Md Enamul Hoque
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh;
| | - Md Rubel Alam
- Department of Knitwear Manufacturing and Technology, BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT), Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh; (M.R.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Md Abdur Rouf
- Department of Knitwear Manufacturing and Technology, BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT), Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh; (M.R.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Saiful Islam Khan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh;
| | - Huaizhong Xu
- Department of Biobased Materials Science, Kyoto Institute of Technology (KIT), Matsugasaki Hashikamicho 1, Sakyoku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore 117575, Singapore;
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22
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COVID-19 Pandemic and Microplastic Pollution. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12050851. [PMID: 35269339 PMCID: PMC8912350 DOI: 10.3390/nano12050851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The world is suffering from aggravating, waste-generated consequences, and the contribution of microplastics to this problem is only increasing. A contributing factor to increased microplastic usage is the change in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) from specific use in limited locations (e.g., hospitals) to general use in widespread locations to protect against the current COVID-19 pandemic. This has resulted in an overflow of microfiber waste from homes, schools, streets, and elsewhere, in every country. While various institutes have issued warnings regarding increasing PPE waste, there is no positive indication of an end to the pandemic in the near future. In this review, we examine the impact of the pandemic on microplastic production, consumption, and disposal, and suggest strategies for lessening environmental pollution. In preparation for the worst-case scenario in which PPE becomes a new normal (in the COVID-19 era), it is recommended that governments and other responsible organisations set up a structured monitoring system for the distribution and disposal of PPE to ensure the most effective waste management possible for continuous sustainable development.
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23
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Deng C, Seidi F, Yong Q, Jin X, Li C, Zhang X, Han J, Liu Y, Huang Y, Wang Y, Yuan Z, Xiao H. Antiviral/antibacterial biodegradable cellulose nonwovens as environmentally friendly and bioprotective materials with potential to minimize microplastic pollution. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127391. [PMID: 34879581 PMCID: PMC8482584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks is vital in battling the COVID-19 crisis, but the dominant polypropylene-based PPE are lack of antiviral/antibacterial activities and environmental friendliness, and have hazardous impact on the soil and aquatic ecosystems. The work presented herein focused on developing biodegradable, antiviral, and antibacterial cellulose nonwovens (AVAB-CNWs) as a multi-functional bioprotective layer for better protection against coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and addressing environmental concerns raised by the piling of COVID-19 related wastes. Both guanidine-based polymer and neomycin sulfate (NEO) were reactive-modified and covalently grafted onto the surface of cellulose nonwovens, thereby conferring outstanding antiviral and antibacterial activities to the nonwovens without deteriorating the microstructure and biodegradability. Through adjusting the grafting amount of active components and selecting appropriate reagents for pretreatment, the antimicrobial activity and hydrophobicity for self-cleaning of the nonwovens can be tuned. More importantly, we demonstrated for the first time that such multi-functional nonwovens are capable of inactivating SARS-CoV-2 instantly, leading to high virucidal activity (> 99.35%), which is unachievable by conventional masks used nowadays. Meanwhile, the robust breathability and biodegradability of AVAB-CNWs were well maintained. The applications of the as-prepared nonwovens as high-performance textile can be readily extended to other areas in the fight against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Deng
- International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials and Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Farzad Seidi
- International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials and Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - Qiang Yong
- International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials and Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - Xiangyu Jin
- Engineering Research Center of Technical Textiles, Ministry of Education, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Chengcheng Li
- International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials and Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials and Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Jingquan Han
- International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials and Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yuqian Liu
- International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials and Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yang Huang
- International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials and Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yuyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Huining Xiao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada E3B 5A3.
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24
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Sharma A, Omidvarborna H, Kumar P. Efficacy of facemasks in mitigating respiratory exposure to submicron aerosols. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 422:126783. [PMID: 34523504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We designed a novel experimental set-up to pseudo-simultaneously measure size-segregated filtration efficiency (ηF), breathing resistance (ηP) and potential usage time (tB) for 11 types of face protective equipment (FPE; four respirators; three medical; and four handmade) in the submicron range. As expected, the highest ηF was exhibited by respirators (97 ± 3%), followed by medical (81 ± 7%) and handmade (47 ± 13%). Similarly, the breathing resistance was highest for respirators, followed by medical and handmade FPE. Combined analysis of efficiency and breathing resistance highlighted trade-offs, i.e. respirators showing the best overall performance across these two indicators, followed by medical and handmade FPE. This hierarchy was also confirmed by quality factor, which is a performance indicator of filters. Detailed assessment of size-segregated aerosols, combined with the scanning electron microscope imaging, revealed material characteristics such as pore density, fiber thickness, filter material and number of layers influence their performance. ηF and ηP showed an inverse exponential decay with time. Using their cross-over point, in combination with acceptable breathability, allowed to estimate tB as 3.2-9.5 h (respirators), 2.6-7.3 h (medical masks) and 4.0-8.8 h (handmade). While relatively longer tB of handmade FPE indicate breathing comfort, they are far less efficient in filtering virus-laden submicron aerosols compared with respirators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Sharma
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Hamid Omidvarborna
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom.
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25
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Facemask Global Challenges: The Case of Effective Synthesis, Utilization, and Environmental Sustainability. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14020737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused a rapidly spreading pandemic and is severely threatening public health globally. The human-to-human transmission route of SARS-CoV-2 is now well established. The reported clinical observations and symptoms of this infection in humans appear in the range between being asymptomatic and severe pneumonia. The virus can be transmitted through aerosols and droplets that are released into the air by a carrier, especially when the person coughs, sneezes, or talks forcefully in a closed environment. As the disease progresses, the use and handling of contaminated personal protective equipment and facemasks have become major issues with significant environmental risks. Therefore, providing an effective method for treating used/contaminated facemasks is crucial. In this paper, we review the environmental challenges and risks associated with the surge in facemask production. We also discuss facemasks and their materials as sources of microplastics and how disposal procedures can potentially lead to the contamination of water resources. We herein review the potential of developing nanomaterial-based antiviral and self-cleaning facemasks. This review discusses these challenges and concludes that the use of sustainable and alternative facemask materials is a promising and viable solution. In this context, it has become essential to address the emerging challenges by developing a new class of facemasks that are effective against the virus, while being biodegradable and sustainable. This paper represents the potentials of natural and/or biodegradable polymers for manufacturing facemasks, such as wood-based polymers, chitosan, and other biodegradable synthetic polymers for achieving sustainability goals during and after pandemics.
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26
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Ficarella E, Natalicchio A, Spina R, Galantucci LM. Technological scouting of bi-material face masks: simulation of adherence using 3D Facial Norms. PROCEDIA CIRP 2022; 110:259-264. [PMID: 35822104 PMCID: PMC9264978 DOI: 10.1016/j.procir.2022.06.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic started in March 2020, the need for personal protective equipment rapidly grew as it became mandatory. The availability of a set of faces can be of great utility in designing a face mask with proper adherence and comfortability in wearing and breathing. A 3D geometry of a face with user-defined anthropometric measures was generated with Blender, a powerful development tool for creating 3D images. Using 3D Facial Norms, a free online database, it was possible to compute the mean anthropometric measures for the age groups of 17-20, 20-30, and 30-40 years old and then generate the respective faces for both genders. The adherence of an innovative face mask was then simulated with the reverse engineering software considering both the face mask and the faces rigid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ficarella
- Politecnico di Bari, Via Edoardo Orabona 4, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Spina
- Politecnico di Bari, Via Edoardo Orabona 4, 70126, Bari, Italy
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27
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Zhang R, Bao F, Weng ZH, Zong LS, Wang JY, Jian XG. A bio-based N-heterocyclic poly(aryl ether ketone) with a high biomass content and superior properties prepared from two derivatives of guaiacol and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid. Polym Degrad Stab 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2021.109792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Ficarella E, Natalicchio A, Spina R, Galantucci LM. Technological scouting of bi-material face masks: experimental analysis on real faces. PROCEDIA CIRP 2022; 110:354-359. [PMID: 35822103 PMCID: PMC9264979 DOI: 10.1016/j.procir.2022.06.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
The need for personal protective equipment rapidly grew during the COVID-19. Companies had to face problems related to their products' sustainability, adherence, and comfortability. Designing a face mask with proper adherence and comfortability in wearing and breathing became a matter of great importance. In this work, the adherence of an innovative face mask and its comfortability were experimentally tested with real faces, considering the deformation of the mask and the soft facial tissues. A stereophotogrammetric acquisition was made of the face with the face mask during these tests. A comparison between the geometries of the face and the mask, undeformed and deformed, gave the respective deformations. The force applied by the mask to the face was calculated, measuring the elastic strain of the mask bands during wearing and the deformation.
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Esmaeilzadeh P. Public concerns and burdens associated with face mask-wearing: Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. PROGRESS IN DISASTER SCIENCE 2022; 13:100215. [PMID: 35036901 PMCID: PMC8752171 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdisas.2022.100215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This study attempts to identify and categorize the key concerns of wearing masks. An online survey was used to collect data from 2746 people in the United States. Results show that the mask-wearing concerns can be classified into three categories; discomfort barriers (physical discomfort and communication discomfort), external factors (overstated news about coronavirus threat, political beliefs, and absence of mask-wearing culture), and usability issues (lack of effectiveness, unnecessariness of masks in certain cases, and mask maintenance issues). The findings demonstrate that all mentioned concerns strongly shape people's attitudes toward wearing masks, except for political beliefs and lack of effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouyan Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics, College of Business, Florida International University (FIU), Modesto A. Maidique Campus, 11200 S.W. 8th St, RB 261B, Miami, FL 33199, United States
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Patel P, Yadav BK, Patel G. State-of-the-Art and Projected Developments of Nanofiber Filter Material for Face Mask Against COVID-19. RECENT PATENTS ON NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 16:262-270. [PMID: 34086552 DOI: 10.2174/1872210515666210604110946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Covid-19 epidemic was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. It is difficult to foresee the future length and severity; it may extend to weeks, months, or even years to deplete the energy and resources of the health care facilities and the providers as there is marginal to no pharmacological medication available to treat the Covid-19. Unless an effective pharmacological treatment such as medicines and vaccines is developed and released publicly, wearing protective face masks and protecting personal health and hygiene is merely a choice to avoid the Covid-19 spread. This review summarizes the background knowledge on the Covid-19 disease and currently available face masks for highly infectious disease primary prevention. According to recent studies of Covid-19 prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, nanotechnologists have provided a revolutionary approach that involves both pharmacological and non-pharmacological steps, one of which is the use of nanofibers in facemasks and respirators. METHODS Various researches carried out in the field of nanomask and patented reports based on the application of nanomask were reviewed. CONCLUSION The most recent developments of nanofibers, including research publications, patents and commercial products in Covid-19 prevention, are extensively reviewed from scientific literature and appropriately represented in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT), CHARUSAT Campus, Changa 388421, India
| | - Bindu Kumari Yadav
- Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT), CHARUSAT Campus, Changa 388421, India
| | - Gayatri Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT), CHARUSAT Campus, Changa 388421, India
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COVID-19 Face Masks as a Long-Term Source of Microplastics in Recycled Urban Green Waste. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su14010207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, many governments recommended or mandated the wearing of fitted face masks to limit the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus via aerosols. Concomitant with the extensive use of non-sterile, surgical-type single-use face masks (SUM) was an increase of such masks, either lost or discarded, in various environmental settings. With their low tensile strength, the spunbond and melt-blown fabrics of the SUM are prone to shredding into small pieces when impacted by lawn cutting equipment. Observations highlight the absence of smaller pieces, which are either wind-dispersed or collected by the mower’s leaf catcher and disposed together with the green waste and then enter the municipal waste stream. As proof-of-concept, experiments using a domestic lawn-mower with different height settings and different grass heights, show that 75% of all pieces of SUM fabric caught in the catcher belonged to sizes below 10 mm2, which under the influence of UV light will decay into microfibers. The implications of SUM generated microplastics are discussed.
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Patrício Silva AL, Prata JC, Duarte AC, Barcelò D, Rocha-Santos T. An urgent call to think globally and act locally on landfill disposable plastics under and after covid-19 pandemic: Pollution prevention and technological (Bio) remediation solutions. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND : 1996) 2021; 426:131201. [PMID: 35791349 PMCID: PMC9248071 DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2021.131201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Landfilling and illegal waste disposal have risen to deal with the COVID-19 potentially infectious waste, particularly in developing countries, which aggravates plastic pollution and inherent environmental threats to human and animal health. It is estimated that 3.5 million metric tonnes of masks (equivalent to 601 TIR containers) have been landfilled worldwide in the first year, with the potential to increase global plastic municipal solid waste by 3.5%, alter biogas composition, and release 2.3 × 1021 microplastics to leachates or adjacent environments, in the coming years. This paper reviews the challenges raised in the pandemic scenario on landfills and discusses the potential environmental and health implications that might drive us apart from the 2030 U.N. sustainable goals. Also, it highlights some innovative technologies to improve waste management (from collection to disposal, waste reduction, sterilization) and mitigates plastic leakage (emission control approaches, application of biotechnological and monitoring/computational tools) that can pave the way to environmental recovery. COVID-19 will eventually subside, but if no action is taken in the short-term towards effective plastic policies, replacement of plastics for sustainable alternatives (e.g., biobased plastics), improvement of waste management streams (prioritising flexible and decentralized approaches), and a greater awareness and responsibility of the general public, stakeholders, industries; we will soon reach a tipping-point in natural environments worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Damià Barcelò
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA - CERCA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Tuñón-Molina A, Takayama K, Redwan EM, Uversky VN, Andrés J, Serrano-Aroca Á. Protective Face Masks: Current Status and Future Trends. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:56725-56751. [PMID: 34797624 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c12227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Management of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has relied in part on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Face masks, as a representative example of PPE, have made a particularly significant contribution. However, most commonly used face masks are made of materials lacking inactivation properties against either SARS-CoV-2 or multidrug-resistant bacteria. Therefore, symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals wearing masks can still infect others due to viable microbial loads escaping from the masks. Moreover, microbial contact transmission can occur by touching the mask, and the discarded masks are an increasing source of contaminated biological waste and a serious environmental threat. For this reason, during the current pandemic, many researchers have worked to develop face masks made of advanced materials with intrinsic antimicrobial, self-cleaning, reusable, and/or biodegradable properties, thereby providing extra protection against pathogens in a sustainable manner. To overview this segment of the remarkable efforts against COVID-19, this review describes the different types of commercialized face masks, their main fabrication methods and treatments, and the progress achieved in face mask development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Tuñón-Molina
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab, Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, 46001 Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Kazuo Takayama
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Elrashdy M Redwan
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
| | - Juan Andrés
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University Jaume I (UJI), 12071 Castellon, Spain
| | - Ángel Serrano-Aroca
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab, Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, 46001 Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Babaahmadi V, Amid H, Naeimirad M, Ramakrishna S. Biodegradable and multifunctional surgical face masks: A brief review on demands during COVID-19 pandemic, recent developments, and future perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 798:149233. [PMID: 34329934 PMCID: PMC8302485 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Providing the greater public with the current coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines is time-consuming and research-intensive; intermediately, some essential ways to reduce the transmission include social distancing, personal hygiene, testing, contact tracing, and universal masking. The data suggests that universal masking, especially using multilayer surgical face masks, offers a powerful efficacy for indoor places. These layers have different functions including antiviral/antibacterial, fluid barrier, particulate and bacterial filtration, and fit and comfort. However, universal masking poses a serious environmental threat since billions of them are disposed on a daily basis; the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has put such demands and consequences in perspective. This review focuses on surgical face mask structures and classifications, their impact on our environment, some of their desirable functionalities, and the recent developments around their biodegradability. The authors believe that this review provides an insight into the fabrication and deployment of effective surgical face masks, and it discusses the utilization of multifunctional structures along with biodegradable materials to deal with future demands in a more eco-friendly fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Babaahmadi
- Department of Materials and Textile Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Razi University, Kermanshah 6714414971, Iran.
| | - Hooman Amid
- Saint-Gobain Inc., Research and Development Supervisor, Nonwoven Abrasives, McAllen, TX 78503, United States of America
| | - Mohammadreza Naeimirad
- Department of Materials and Textile Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Razi University, Kermanshah 6714414971, Iran
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Centre for Nanofibers and Nanotechnology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575, Singapore
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Das SK, Chinnappan A, Jayathilaka WADM, Gosh R, Baskar C, Ramakrishna S. Challenges and Potential Solutions for 100% Recycling of Medical Textiles. MATERIALS CIRCULAR ECONOMY 2021. [PMCID: PMC8290140 DOI: 10.1007/s42824-021-00023-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Medical textiles are all fiber-based products and structures which are utilized for emergency treatment, clinical, surgical and hygienic purposes. It is an exceptionally particular and bio viable specialized material, utilized for clinical and cleanliness applications. Volumes of clinical waste being created in excess of 60 million tons yearly around the world. According to the current investigation reports and information, the worldwide clinical waste administration market was esteemed at USD 11.77 billion in the year 2018 and will reach at 17.89 billion by the year 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%. Over the world, out of the measure of waste created by medical care activities, about 85% is general waste and staying 15% is viewed as unsafe material that might be irresistible, poisonous or radioactive. The following particular reasons are very harmful for the environment in the upcoming future. The waste management policy of medical textile is a vital fact for the world. The potential and effectual solution is recycling of these medical wastes. Current solutions for 100% recycling of medical textiles are chemical treatment, incineration, and autoclaving. But the most innovative solution of medical textiles is molecular tagging/tagging of fibers. Medical textile market is producing state-of-the-art polymeric textile implantable devices that are redefining traditional materials and methods of surgery. Developing polymer innovation has yielded a wide scope of uses of implantable clinical material or biotextiles. Due to world Covid-19 pandemic situation, the requirement of medical textiles already has been increased almost double from last year. It has been observed that the market value of medical textiles will be in optimum position. In the year 2019, the global market worth of medical textiles was US$ 17.5 billion. In the present world, the current medical textiles like implantable and non-implantable categories are not applying for recycling process or end used of their life cycle. In this paper, we will discuss about potential solutions for recycling medical textiles like—by using conductive polymers, maintaining ε-Poly-lysine, non-fibrous biomass, bioactive fibers, etc. But there are still some challenges for recycling like—maintain 100% polymeric bonds, bacterial effect, flexibility and sustainability for clinical performance after recycling the specific product. In this paper, we are presenting the scientific methods, mechanisms, and procedures that used to overcome the aforementioned challenges in the recycling methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amutha Chinnappan
- Center for Nanotechnology and Sustainability, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119260 Singapore
| | - W. A. D. M. Jayathilaka
- Center for Nanotechnology and Sustainability, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119260 Singapore
| | - Rituparna Gosh
- Center for Nanotechnology and Sustainability, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119260 Singapore
| | - Chinnappan Baskar
- THDC Institute of Hydropower Engineering and Technology Tehri, Uttarakhand Technical University, Dehradun, India
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Pattimura University, Ambon, Indonesia
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Center for Nanotechnology and Sustainability, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119260 Singapore
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Deng C, Seidi F, Yong Q, Jin X, Li C, Zheng L, Yuan Z, Xiao H. Virucidal and biodegradable specialty cellulose nonwovens as personal protective equipment against COVID-19 pandemic. J Adv Res 2021; 39:147-156. [PMID: 35777904 PMCID: PMC8577049 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Enable to instantly inactivate SARS-CoV-2 (>99.14%) and HCoV-229E (>98.83%). Excellent growth inhibition (>99.51%) towards both E. coli and S. aureus. Address the environmental concerns raised by non-biodegradable face masks. Development of safe, comfortable, and biodegradable textiles for PPE. A facile and scalable method to produce biocidal textiles for various applications.
Introduction Face masks are regarded as effective Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the dominant polypropylene (PP)-based masks are devoid of antiviral/antibacterial activities and create enormous environmental burdens after disposal. Objectives Here we report a facile and potentially scalable method to fabricate biodegradable, breathable, and biocidal cellulose nonwovens (BCNWs) to address both environmental and hygienic problems of commercially available face masks. Methods TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nonwovens are rendered antiviral/antibacterial via covalent bonding with disinfecting polyhexamethylene guanidine or neomycin sulfate through carbodiimide coupling chemistry. Results The obtained results showed that the BCNWs have virucidal rate of >99.14%, bactericidal efficiency of >99.51%, no leaching-out effect, and excellent air permeability of >1111.5 mm s−1. More importantly, the as-prepared BCNWs can inactivate SARS-CoV-2 instantly. Conclusions This strategy provides a new platform for the green fabrication of multifunctional cellulose nonwovens as scalable bio-protective layers with superior performance for various PPE in fighting COVID-19 or future pandemics. Additionally, replacing the non-biodegradable non-antimicrobial PP-based masks with the cellulose-based masks can reduce the plastic wastes and lower the greenhouse gas production from the incineration of disposed masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Deng
- International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials and Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Farzad Seidi
- International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials and Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - Qiang Yong
- International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials and Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - Xiangyu Jin
- Engineering Research Center of Technical Textiles, Ministry of Education, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Chengcheng Li
- International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials and Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Ling Zheng
- International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials and Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Huining Xiao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
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Bicomponent PLA Nanofiber Nonwovens as Highly Efficient Filtration Media for Particulate Pollutants and Pathogens. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:membranes11110819. [PMID: 34832049 PMCID: PMC8622781 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11110819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Herein, a novel form of bicomponent nanofiber membrane containing stereo-complex polylactic acid (SC-PLA) was successfully produced by the side-by-side electrospinning of Poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and Poly (D-lactic acid) (PDLA). We demonstrate that through these environmentally sustainable materials, highly efficient nanofiber assemblies for filtration can be constructed at very low basis weight. The physical and morphological structure, crystalline structure, hydrophobicity, porous structure, and filtration performance of the fibrous membranes were thoroughly characterized. It was shown that the fabricated polylactic acid (PLA) side-by-side fiber membrane had the advantages of excellent hydrophobicity, small average pore size, high porosity, high filtration efficiency, low pressure drop as well as superior air permeability. At the very low basis weight of 1.1 g/m2, the filtration efficiency and pressure drop of the prepared side-by-side membrane reached 96.2% and 30 Pa, respectively. Overall, this biomass-based, biodegradable filtration material has the potential to replace the fossil fuel-based polypropylene commercial meltblown materials for the design and development in filtration, separation, biomedical, personal protection and other fields.
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Patrício Silva AL, Prata JC, Mouneyrac C, Barcelò D, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Risks of Covid-19 face masks to wildlife: Present and future research needs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 792:148505. [PMID: 34465061 PMCID: PMC8217904 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The use of disposable face masks became essential to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an unprecedented rise in their production and, unfortunately, to a new form of environmental contamination due to improper disposal. Recent publications reported the abundance of COVID-19-related litter in several environments, wildlife interaction with such items, and the contaminants that can be released from such protective equipment that has the potential to induce ecotoxicological effects. This paper provides a critical review of COVID-19 face mask occurrence in diverse environments and their adverse physiological and ecotoxicological effects on wildlife. It also outlines potential remediation strategies to mitigate the environmental challenge impose by COVID-19-related litter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Catherine Mouneyrac
- Mer Molécules Sante (MMS), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, 3 place André Leroy, BP10808, 49008 Angers CEDEX 01, France
| | - Damià Barcelò
- Catalan Institute for Water research (ICRA-CERCA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101,17003 Girona, Spain; Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Covid-19 and organisational development: important signs of a new pillar for sustainability. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/srj-10-2020-0415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The global pandemic has had a considerable effect on organisations’ performance and development and on the daily lives of the general population. This study aims to analyse the recent literature on the topics of Covid-19 and sustainability and proposes to rethink and redefine sustainability with the intersection of human health as a fourth sustainable pillar.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the Scopus and ISI Web of Science databases, 119 articles were analysed in detail and classified according to concepts and principles for achieving sustainable development, based on the Brundtland Report, 1987.
Findings
The results indicate a high number of publications in the social dimension, with a relevant proportion of studies in the health sector. This study allows us to conclude that all sectors of society are being affected by the pandemic. However, the enormous tension and the immediate impact felt by the health sector during the pandemic reflect directly on the population, and there are clear signs that in the medium and long term, instability and uncertainty in the environmental, economic and social dimensions will remain. In national health systems, monitoring, innovating in human resource management and investing in information technology can ensure organizations’ reliability and sustainability. The conclusion involves the suggestion of introducing health as a new pillar for sustainability to consolidate the basis and structure of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Objectives. The use of fundamental concepts is necessary and must be aligned to reassess the results obtained in studies, in comparison with observational data.
Practical implications
The implications arising from the inclusion of health as a fourth pillar of sustainability are diverse. The need to build a new theoretical and conceptual framework for sustainability derives from the fact that health reflects the concern of many postulants in this field of practices. The determining or conditioning conditions of the observed effects of the pandemic by COVID-19, whether situated simply as factors and/or economic, environmental or social reflexes that precede them, requires a conceptual development that allows its approach, as a complex object, whose determinations are subject to variable degrees of uncertainty and diversity.
Originality/value
This study aims to redefine the concept of sustainability, considering that health has become a public health emergency of international interest. Health affects the supply chain, cash flow, interferes with the educational format and interrupts the workforce’s routine, among other aspects, showing the true nature of its importance and its impact in all spheres (economic, environmental and social).
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40
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Hazarika D, Kalita NK, Kumar A, Katiyar V. Functionalized poly(lactic acid) based nano-fabric for anti-viral applications. RSC Adv 2021; 11:32884-32897. [PMID: 35493591 PMCID: PMC9042262 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra05352c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This study endeavoured to explore and fabricate antiviral and antibacterial facemasks using zinc (oligo-lactate) (ZL), developed through a microwave synthesis technique. The prepared nano-fabric layer has excellent antiviral and antibacterial properties against Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) and E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of ZL shows a two-step thermal degradation, which confirms the formation of low molecular weight end group lactyl units with zinc ions. Another investigation using varying ZL concentration and silk nanocrystal (SNC) with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and electrospinning them into nanofibres led to the fabrication of a facile and sustainable nanofabric that can be utilized as a protective layer for facemasks. Morphological analysis revealed the successful preparation of the nanofabric with proper distribution and uniformity in fibre diameter. Hydrophobicity of the prepared nanofabric confirmed excellent protection from water droplets that may transpire during coughing or sneezing by an infected individual. Breathability and reusability tests confirmed that the prepared facemask could be reused by ethanol washing without compromising its surface properties till 4 cycles. The PLA/ZL nanofabric layer demonstrated 97% antiviral efficacy against NDV in 10 minutes. In conclusion, the electrospun nanofabric layer can be used as a facemask having high hydrophobicity, good breathability, antibacterial, and antiviral properties to control the spread of contagious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doli Hazarika
- Chemical Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati Assam-781039 India
| | - Naba Kumar Kalita
- Chemical Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati Assam-781039 India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Chemical Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati Assam-781039 India
| | - Vimal Katiyar
- Chemical Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati Assam-781039 India
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Pandit P, Maity S, Singha K, Annu, Uzun M, Shekh M, Ahmed S. Potential biodegradable face mask to counter environmental impact of Covid-19. CLEANER ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY 2021; 4:100218. [PMID: 34322678 PMCID: PMC8297964 DOI: 10.1016/j.clet.2021.100218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
On the eve of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a tremendous increase in the production of facemasks across the world. The primary raw materials for the manufacturing of the facemasks are non-biodegradable synthetic polymers derived from petrochemicals. Disposal of these synthetic facemasks increases waste-load in the environment causing severe ecological issues for flora and fauna. The synthesis processes of the polymers from the petrochemical by-products were also not eco-friendly, which releases huge greenhouse and harmful gases. Therefore, many research organizations and entrepreneurs realize the need for biodegradable facemasks to render similar performance as the existing non-biodegradable masks. The conventional textile fabrics made of natural fibers like cotton, flax, hemp, etc., can also be used to prepare facemasks with multiple layers in use for general protection. Such natural textile masks can be made anti-microbial by applying various herbal anti-microbial extracts like turmeric, neem, basil, aloe vera, etc. As porosity is the exclusive feature of the masks for arresting tiny viruses, the filter of the masks should have a pore size in the nanometre scale, and that can be achieved in nanomembrane manufactured by electrospinning technology. This article reviews the various scopes of electrospinning technology for the preparation of nanomembrane biomasks. Besides protecting us from the virus, the biomasks can be useful for skin healing, skincare, auto-fragrance, and organized cooling which are also discussed in this review article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pintu Pandit
- National Institute of Fashion Technology, Department of Textile Design, Mithapur Farms, Patna, 800001, India
| | - Subhankar Maity
- Department of Textile Technology, Uttar Pradesh Textile Technology Institute, Kanpur, 208001, India
| | - Kunal Singha
- National Institute of Fashion Technology, Department of Textile Design, Mithapur Farms, Patna, 800001, India
| | - Annu
- Lecturer in Chemistry, Higher Education Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Department of Chemistry, Government Degree College Samba, Jammu and Kashmir, 184121, India
| | - Muhammet Uzun
- Department of Textile Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Centre for Nanotechnology and Biomaterials Applied and Research, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehdihasan Shekh
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Shakeel Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry, Government Degree College Mendhar, Jammu and Kashmir, 185211, India
- Higher Education Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, India
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Li L, Huang J, Almutairi AW, Lan X, Zheng L, Lin Y, Chen L, Fu N, Lin Z, Abomohra AEF. Integrated approach for enhanced bio-oil recovery from disposed face masks through co-hydrothermal liquefaction with Spirulina platensis grown in wastewater. BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY 2021:1-12. [PMID: 34603924 DOI: 10.1007/s13399-021-01891-2/tables/3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Currently, the enormous generation of contaminated disposed face masks raises many environmental concerns. The present study provides a novel route for efficient crude bio-oil production from disposed masks through co-hydrothermal liquefaction (Co-HTL) with Spirulina platensis grown in wastewater. Ultimate and proximate analysis confirmed that S. platensis contains relatively high nitrogen content (9.13%dw), which decreased by increasing the mask blend ratio. However, carbon and hydrogen contents were higher in masks (83.84 and 13.77%dw, respectively). In addition, masks showed 29.6% higher volatiles than S. platensis, which resulted in 94.2% lower ash content. Thermal decomposition of masks started at a higher temperature (≈330 °C) comparing to S. platensis (≈208 °C). The highest bio-oil yield was recorded by HTL of S. platensis and Co-HTL with 25% (w/w) masks at 300 °C, which showed insignificant differences with each other. GC/MS analysis of the bio-oil produced from HTL of algal biomass showed a high proportion of nitrogen- and oxygen-containing compounds (3.6% and 11.9%, respectively), with relatively low hydrocarbons (17.4%). Mask blend ratio at 25% reduced the nitrogen-containing compounds by 55.6% and enhanced the hydrocarbons by 43.7%. Moreover, blending of masks with S. platensis enhanced the compounds within the diesel range in favor of gasoline and heavy oil. Overall, the present study provides an innovative route for enhanced bio-oil production through mask recycling coupled with wastewater treatment. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13399-021-01891-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106 China
| | - Jin Huang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106 China
| | - Adel W Almutairi
- Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Science & Arts, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xin Lan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106 China
| | - Linling Zheng
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106 China
| | - Yuling Lin
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106 China
| | - Liudong Chen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106 China
| | - Nanjie Fu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106 China
| | - Zongren Lin
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106 China
| | - Abd El-Fatah Abomohra
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106 China
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43
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Li L, Huang J, Almutairi AW, Lan X, Zheng L, Lin Y, Chen L, Fu N, Lin Z, Abomohra AEF. Integrated approach for enhanced bio-oil recovery from disposed face masks through co-hydrothermal liquefaction with Spirulina platensis grown in wastewater. BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY 2021; 13:1-12. [PMID: 34603924 PMCID: PMC8475824 DOI: 10.1007/s13399-021-01891-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the enormous generation of contaminated disposed face masks raises many environmental concerns. The present study provides a novel route for efficient crude bio-oil production from disposed masks through co-hydrothermal liquefaction (Co-HTL) with Spirulina platensis grown in wastewater. Ultimate and proximate analysis confirmed that S. platensis contains relatively high nitrogen content (9.13%dw), which decreased by increasing the mask blend ratio. However, carbon and hydrogen contents were higher in masks (83.84 and 13.77%dw, respectively). In addition, masks showed 29.6% higher volatiles than S. platensis, which resulted in 94.2% lower ash content. Thermal decomposition of masks started at a higher temperature (≈330 °C) comparing to S. platensis (≈208 °C). The highest bio-oil yield was recorded by HTL of S. platensis and Co-HTL with 25% (w/w) masks at 300 °C, which showed insignificant differences with each other. GC/MS analysis of the bio-oil produced from HTL of algal biomass showed a high proportion of nitrogen- and oxygen-containing compounds (3.6% and 11.9%, respectively), with relatively low hydrocarbons (17.4%). Mask blend ratio at 25% reduced the nitrogen-containing compounds by 55.6% and enhanced the hydrocarbons by 43.7%. Moreover, blending of masks with S. platensis enhanced the compounds within the diesel range in favor of gasoline and heavy oil. Overall, the present study provides an innovative route for enhanced bio-oil production through mask recycling coupled with wastewater treatment. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13399-021-01891-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106 China
| | - Jin Huang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106 China
| | - Adel W. Almutairi
- Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Science & Arts, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xin Lan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106 China
| | - Linling Zheng
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106 China
| | - Yuling Lin
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106 China
| | - Liudong Chen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106 China
| | - Nanjie Fu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106 China
| | - Zongren Lin
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106 China
| | - Abd El-Fatah Abomohra
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106 China
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Norrrahim MNF, Mohd Kasim NA, Knight VF, Ong KK, Mohd Noor SA, Abdul Halim N, Ahmad Shah NA, Jamal SH, Janudin N, Misenan MSM, Ahmad MZ, Yaacob MH, Wan Yunus WMZ. Emerging Developments Regarding Nanocellulose-Based Membrane Filtration Material against Microbes. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:3249. [PMID: 34641067 PMCID: PMC8512566 DOI: 10.3390/polym13193249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The wide availability and diversity of dangerous microbes poses a considerable problem for health professionals and in the development of new healthcare products. Numerous studies have been conducted to develop membrane filters that have antibacterial properties to solve this problem. Without proper protective filter equipment, healthcare providers, essential workers, and the general public are exposed to the risk of infection. A combination of nanotechnology and biosorption is expected to offer a new and greener approach to improve the usefulness of polysaccharides as an advanced membrane filtration material. Nanocellulose is among the emerging materials of this century and several studies have proven its use in filtering microbes. Its high specific surface area enables the adsorption of various microbial species, and its innate porosity can separate various molecules and retain microbial objects. Besides this, the presence of an abundant OH groups in nanocellulose grants its unique surface modification, which can increase its filtration efficiency through the formation of affinity interactions toward microbes. In this review, an update of the most relevant uses of nanocellulose as a new class of membrane filters against microbes is outlined. Key advancements in surface modifications of nanocellulose to enhance its rejection mechanism are also critically discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review focusing on the development of nanocellulose as a membrane filter against microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Nor Faiz Norrrahim
- Research Centre for Chemical Defence, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (M.N.F.N.); (K.K.O.); (S.A.M.N.); (N.J.)
| | - Noor Azilah Mohd Kasim
- Research Centre for Chemical Defence, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (M.N.F.N.); (K.K.O.); (S.A.M.N.); (N.J.)
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Centre for Defence Foundation Studies, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (N.A.A.S.); (S.H.J.)
| | - Victor Feizal Knight
- Research Centre for Chemical Defence, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (M.N.F.N.); (K.K.O.); (S.A.M.N.); (N.J.)
| | - Keat Khim Ong
- Research Centre for Chemical Defence, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (M.N.F.N.); (K.K.O.); (S.A.M.N.); (N.J.)
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Centre for Defence Foundation Studies, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (N.A.A.S.); (S.H.J.)
| | - Siti Aminah Mohd Noor
- Research Centre for Chemical Defence, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (M.N.F.N.); (K.K.O.); (S.A.M.N.); (N.J.)
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Centre for Defence Foundation Studies, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (N.A.A.S.); (S.H.J.)
| | - Norhana Abdul Halim
- Department of Physics, Centre for Defence Foundation Studies, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
| | - Noor Aisyah Ahmad Shah
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Centre for Defence Foundation Studies, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (N.A.A.S.); (S.H.J.)
| | - Siti Hasnawati Jamal
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Centre for Defence Foundation Studies, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (N.A.A.S.); (S.H.J.)
| | - Nurjahirah Janudin
- Research Centre for Chemical Defence, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (M.N.F.N.); (K.K.O.); (S.A.M.N.); (N.J.)
| | - Muhammad Syukri Mohamad Misenan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Science, Yildiz Technical University, Davutpasa Campus, Esenler, Istanbul 34220, Turkey;
| | - Muhammad Zamharir Ahmad
- Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Research Centre, Malaysia Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Persiaran MARDI-UPM, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Mohd Hanif Yaacob
- Wireless and Photonics Network Research Centre (WiPNET), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Wan Md Zin Wan Yunus
- Research Centre for Tropicalisation, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
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Cano-Vicent A, Tuñón-Molina A, Martí M, Muramoto Y, Noda T, Takayama K, Serrano-Aroca Á. Antiviral Face Mask Functionalized with Solidified Hand Soap: Low-Cost Infection Prevention Clothing against Enveloped Viruses Such as SARS-CoV-2. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:23495-23503. [PMID: 34514272 PMCID: PMC8424690 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c03511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Infection prevention clothing is becoming an essential protective tool in the current pandemic, especially because now we know that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can easily infect humans in poorly ventilated indoor spaces. However, commercial infection prevention clothing is made of fabrics that are not capable of inactivating the virus. Therefore, viral infections of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals wearing protective clothing such as masks can occur through aerosol transmission or by contact with the contaminated surfaces of the masks, which are suspected as an increasing source of highly infectious biological waste. Herein, we report an easy fabrication method of a novel antiviral non-woven fabric containing polymer filaments that were coated with solidified hand soap. This extra protective fabric is capable of inactivating enveloped viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and phage Φ6 within 1 min of contact. In this study, this antiviral fabric was used to fabricate an antiviral face mask and did not show any cytotoxic effect in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Furthermore, this antiviral non-woven fabric could be used for the fabrication of other infection prevention clothing such as caps, scrubs, shirts, trousers, disposable gowns, overalls, hoods, aprons, and shoe covers. Therefore, this low-cost technology could provide a wide range of infection-protective tools to combat COVID-19 and future pandemics in developed and underdeveloped countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Cano-Vicent
- Doctoral
School, Biomaterials and Bioengineering Laboratory, Centro de Investigación
Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad
Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, Valencia 46001, Spain
| | - Alberto Tuñón-Molina
- Doctoral
School, Biomaterials and Bioengineering Laboratory, Centro de Investigación
Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad
Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, Valencia 46001, Spain
| | - Miguel Martí
- Biomaterials
and Bioengineering Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Traslacional
San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica
de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, Valencia 46001, Spain
| | - Yukiko Muramoto
- Laboratory
of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical
Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Takeshi Noda
- Laboratory
of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical
Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kazuo Takayama
- Center
for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Ángel Serrano-Aroca
- Biomaterials
and Bioengineering Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Traslacional
San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica
de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, Valencia 46001, Spain
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Face mask waste generation and management during the COVID-19 pandemic: An overview and the Peruvian case. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 786. [PMCID: PMC8105123 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has driven massive consumption of personal protective equipment (PPE) worldwide. Single-use face masks are one of the most used PPE to prevent the transmission of the virus. However, mismanagement of such materials threatens the environment with a new form of plastic pollution. Researchers argue that it is necessary to develop and implement innovative ways to manage and recycle PPE in order to reduce their impacts on the environment. In the present work, we have reviewed and discussed the recent development of sustainable face mask alternatives and recycling and repurposing routes under the COVID-19 pandemic context. Moreover, we have conducted estimations of the daily face mask waste generation in Peru, a developing country struggling with a poor solid waste management framework and infrastructure. Unlike previous studies, our equation incorporates the “economically active population” variable in order to provide more precise estimations, while evaluating single-use and reusable scenarios. The scenarios of incorporating reusable face masks significantly reduced the amount of solid waste generated in Peru. In situ evidence shows that face masks are polluting the streets and beaches of Peru, probably driven by mismanagement and poor environmental awareness.
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Tuñón-Molina A, Martí M, Muramoto Y, Noda T, Takayama K, Serrano-Aroca Á. Antimicrobial Face Shield: Next Generation of Facial Protective Equipment against SARS-CoV-2 and Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9518. [PMID: 34502431 PMCID: PMC8431192 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transparent materials used for facial protection equipment provide protection against microbial infections caused by viruses and bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains. However, transparent materials used for this type of application are made of materials that do not possess antimicrobial activity. They just avoid direct contact between the person and the biological agent. Therefore, healthy people can become infected through contact of the contaminated material surfaces and this equipment constitute an increasing source of infectious biological waste. Furthermore, infected people can transmit microbial infections easily because the protective equipment do not inactivate the microbial load generated while breathing, sneezing or coughing. In this regard, the goal of this work consisted of fabricating a transparent face shield with intrinsic antimicrobial activity that could provide extra-protection against infectious agents and reduce the generation of infectious waste. Thus, a single-use transparent antimicrobial face shield composed of polyethylene terephthalate and an antimicrobial coating of benzalkonium chloride has been developed for the next generation of facial protective equipment. The antimicrobial coating was analyzed by atomic force microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy with elemental analysis. This is the first facial transparent protective material capable of inactivating enveloped viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in less than one minute of contact, and the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Bacterial infections contribute to severe pneumonia associated with the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and their resistance to antibiotics is increasing. Our extra protective broad-spectrum antimicrobial composite material could also be applied for the fabrication of other facial protective tools such as such as goggles, helmets, plastic masks and space separation screens used for counters or vehicles. This low-cost technology would be very useful to combat the current pandemic and protect health care workers from multidrug-resistant infections in developed and underdeveloped countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Tuñón-Molina
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab., Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, 46001 Valencia, Spain; (A.T.-M.); (M.M.)
| | - Miguel Martí
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab., Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, 46001 Valencia, Spain; (A.T.-M.); (M.M.)
| | - Yukiko Muramoto
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (Y.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Takeshi Noda
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (Y.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Kazuo Takayama
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Ángel Serrano-Aroca
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab., Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, 46001 Valencia, Spain; (A.T.-M.); (M.M.)
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Nundy S, Ghosh A, Mesloub A, Albaqawy GA, Alnaim MM. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on socio-economic, energy-environment and transport sector globally and sustainable development goal (SDG). JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION 2021; 312:127705. [PMID: 36471816 PMCID: PMC9710714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) want to have a peaceful world where human life will be in a safe, healthy, sustainable environment without any inequalities. However, the year 2020 experienced a global pandemic due to COVID-19. This COVID-19 created an adverse impact on human life, economic, environment, and energy and transport sector compared to the pre-COVID-19 scenario. These above-mentioned sectors are interrelated and thus lockdown strategy and stay at home rules to reduce the COVID-19 transmission had a drastic effect on them. With lockdown, all industry and transport sectors were closed, energy demand reduced greatly but the time shift of energy demand had a critical impact on grid and energy generation. Decreased energy demand caused a silver lining with an improved environment. However, drowned economy creating a negative impact on the human mind and financial condition, which at times led to life-ending decisions. Transport sector which faced a financial dip last year trying to coming out from the losses which are not feasible without government aid and a new customer-friendly policy. Sustainable transport and the electric vehicle should take high gear. While people are staying at home or using work from home scheme, building indoor environment must specially be taken care of as a compromised indoor environment affects and increases the risk of many diseases. Also, the energy-efficient building will play a key role to abate the enhanced building energy demand and more generation from renewable sources should be in priority. It is still too early to predict any forecast about the regain period of all those sectors but with vaccination now being introduced and implemented but still, it can be considered as an ongoing process as its final results are yet to be seen. As of now, COVID-19 still continue to grow in certain areas causing anxiety and destruction. With all these causes, effects, and restoration plans, still SDGs will be suffered in great order to attain their target by 2030 and collaborative support from all countries can only help in this time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srijita Nundy
- School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Aritra Ghosh
- College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Renewable Energy, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Abdelhakim Mesloub
- Department of Architectural Engineering, Ha'il University, Ha'il, 2440, Saudi Arabia
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Ramakrishnan SG, Robert B, Salim A, Ananthan P, Sivaramakrishnan M, Subramaniam S, Natesan S, Suresh R, Rajeshkumar G, Maran JP, Al-Dhabi NA, Karuppiah P, Valan Arasu M. Nanotechnology based solutions to combat zoonotic viruses with special attention to SARS, MERS, and COVID 19: Detection, protection and medication. Microb Pathog 2021; 159:105133. [PMID: 34390768 PMCID: PMC8358084 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic viruses originate from birds or animal sources and responsible for disease transmission from animals to people through zoonotic spill over and presents a significant global health concern due to lack of rapid diagnostics and therapeutics. The Corona viruses (CoV) were known to be transmitted in mammals. Early this year, SARS-CoV-2, a novel strain of corona virus, was identified as the causative pathogen of an outbreak of viral pneumonia in Wuhan, China. The disease later named corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), subsequently spread across the globe rapidly. Nano-particles and viruses are comparable in size, which serves to be a major advantage of using nano-material in clinical strategy to combat viruses. Nanotechnology provides novel solutions against zoonotic viruses by providing cheap and efficient detection methods, novel, and new effective rapid diagnostics and therapeutics. The prospective of nanotechnology in COVID 19 is exceptionally high due to their small size, large surface-to-volume ratio, susceptibility to modification, intrinsic viricidal activity. The nano-based strategies address the COVID 19 by extending their role in i) designing nano-materials for drug/vaccine delivery, ii) developing nano-based diagnostic approaches like nano-sensors iii) novel nano-based personal protection equipment to be used in prevention strategies.This review aims to bring attention to the significant contribution of nanotechnology to mitigate against zoonotic viral pandemics by prevention, faster diagnosis and medication point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankar Ganesh Ramakrishnan
- Bioprocess and Biomaterials laboratory, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | - Becky Robert
- Bioprocess and Biomaterials laboratory, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | - Anisha Salim
- Bioprocess and Biomaterials laboratory, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | - Padma Ananthan
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sadhasivam Subramaniam
- Bioprocess and Biomaterials laboratory, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India; Department of Extension and Career Guidance, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India.
| | - Sivarajasekar Natesan
- Unit Operations laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, India
| | - Rahul Suresh
- Department of Physics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | - G Rajeshkumar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, PSG Institute of Technology and Applied Research, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
| | - J Prakash Maran
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Periyar University, Salem, Tamilnadu, India.
| | - Naif Abdullah Al-Dhabi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ponmurugan Karuppiah
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mariadhas Valan Arasu
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Escandón K, Rasmussen AL, Bogoch II, Murray EJ, Escandón K, Popescu SV, Kindrachuk J. COVID-19 false dichotomies and a comprehensive review of the evidence regarding public health, COVID-19 symptomatology, SARS-CoV-2 transmission, mask wearing, and reinfection. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:710. [PMID: 34315427 PMCID: PMC8314268 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06357-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Scientists across disciplines, policymakers, and journalists have voiced frustration at the unprecedented polarization and misinformation around coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Several false dichotomies have been used to polarize debates while oversimplifying complex issues. In this comprehensive narrative review, we deconstruct six common COVID-19 false dichotomies, address the evidence on these topics, identify insights relevant to effective pandemic responses, and highlight knowledge gaps and uncertainties. The topics of this review are: 1) Health and lives vs. economy and livelihoods, 2) Indefinite lockdown vs. unlimited reopening, 3) Symptomatic vs. asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, 4) Droplet vs. aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2, 5) Masks for all vs. no masking, and 6) SARS-CoV-2 reinfection vs. no reinfection. We discuss the importance of multidisciplinary integration (health, social, and physical sciences), multilayered approaches to reducing risk ("Emmentaler cheese model"), harm reduction, smart masking, relaxation of interventions, and context-sensitive policymaking for COVID-19 response plans. We also address the challenges in understanding the broad clinical presentation of COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. These key issues of science and public health policy have been presented as false dichotomies during the pandemic. However, they are hardly binary, simple, or uniform, and therefore should not be framed as polar extremes. We urge a nuanced understanding of the science and caution against black-or-white messaging, all-or-nothing guidance, and one-size-fits-all approaches. There is a need for meaningful public health communication and science-informed policies that recognize shades of gray, uncertainties, local context, and social determinants of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Escandón
- School of Medicine, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.
| | - Angela L Rasmussen
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
- Georgetown Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Isaac I Bogoch
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eleanor J Murray
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Karina Escandón
- Department of Anthropology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Saskia V Popescu
- Georgetown Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Jason Kindrachuk
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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