Nanofibers in Respiratory Masks: An Alternative to Prevent Pathogen Transmission

Masks and respirators for prevention of respiratory infections: a state of the science review

SUMMARYThis narrative review and meta-analysis summarizes a broad evidence base on the benefits-and also the practicalities, disbenefits, harms and personal, sociocultural and environmental impacts-of masks and masking. Our synthesis of evidence from over 100 published reviews and selected primary studies, including re-analyzing contested meta-analyses of key clinical trials, produced seven key findings. First, there is strong and consistent evidence for airborne transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other respiratory pathogens. Second, masks are, if correctly and consistently worn, effective in reducing transmission of respiratory diseases and show a dose-response effect. Third, respirators are significantly more effective than medical or cloth masks. Fourth, mask mandates are, overall, effective in reducing community transmission of respiratory pathogens. Fifth, masks are important sociocultural symbols; non-adherence to masking is sometimes linked to political and ideological beliefs and to widely circulated mis- or disinformation. Sixth, while there is much evidence that masks are not generally harmful to the general population, masking may be relatively contraindicated in individuals with certain medical conditions, who may require exemption. Furthermore, certain groups (notably D/deaf people) are disadvantaged when others are masked. Finally, there are risks to the environment from single-use masks and respirators. We propose an agenda for future research, including improved characterization of the situations in which masking should be recommended or mandated; attention to comfort and acceptability; generalized and disability-focused communication support in settings where masks are worn; and development and testing of novel materials and designs for improved filtration, breathability, and environmental impact.

Selenium nanoparticles incorporated in nanofibers media eliminate H1N1 activity: a novel approach for virucidal antiviral and antibacterial respiratory mask

The consecutive viral infectious outbreaks impose severe complications on public health besides the economic burden which led to great interest in antiviral personal protective equipment (PPE). Nanofiber-based respiratory mask has been introduced as a significant barrier to eliminate the airborne transmission from aerosols toward reduction the viral infection spreading. Herein, selenium nanoparticles incorporated in polyamide 6 nanofibers coated on spunbond nonwoven were synthesized via electrospinning technique (PA6@SeNPs), with an average diameter of 180 ± 2 nm. The nanofiber-coated media were tested for 0.3 μm particulate filtration efficiency based on Standard NIOSH (42 CFR 84). PA6@SeNPs had a pressure drop of 45 ± 2 Pa and particulate filtration efficiency of more than 97.33 which is comparable to the N95 respiratory mask. The bacterial killing efficiency of these nanofibers was 91.25% and 16.67% against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), respectively. Furthermore, the virucidal antiviral test for H1N1 infected Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cells (MDCK) exhibited TCID50 of 108.13, 105.88, and 105.5 for 2, 10, and 120 min of exposure times in comparison with 108.5, 107.5, and 106.5 in PA6 nanofibers as control sample. MTT assay indicated excellent biocompatibility of electrospun PA6@SeNP nanofibers on L292 cells. These results propose the PA6@SeNP nanofibers have a high potential to be used as an efficient layer in respiratory masks for protection against respiratory pathogens.