We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Development of Carbon-Nanodot-Loaded PLA Nanofibers and Study of Their Barrier Performance for Medical Applications
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed electrospun PLA nanofibers loaded with carbon nanodots (CNDs) at concentrations of 1-4%, finding that antibacterial activity increased with CND concentration. A spunbond-nanofiber layered assembly incorporating 0.45 mg/cm² of the material achieved 96.5% particle filtration efficiency and a differential pressure of 39 Pa/cm², meeting Type I medical face mask requirements under ASTM-F2100.
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).
More Papers Like This
Advances in electrospun nanofiber-based personal protective equipment for active filtration
AI summary Read the abstract
Most face masks today are made from plastic materials that don't break down, shedding microplastics into the environment long after you throw them away. This review rounds up research on a promising alternative: masks made from biodegradable nanofibers (created through a technique called electrospinning) that can filter out germs and pollutants just as well, while some versions even add natural antibacterial ingredients like essential oils or metal particles for extra protection. The takeaway: eco-friendlier masks that protect your health without leaving lasting plastic pollution behind may be on the horizon, though most of this work is still in the research stage rather than on store shelves.
Electro-blow spinning of fully biodegradable nanofibers membranes for air filtration applications
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers made disposable facemask material from biodegradable plant-based plastics (PLA and related polymers) using a specialized spinning process, instead of conventional plastics. In lab tests, the nanofiber material filtered smoke particles effectively, and its breakdown was tested under composting, water exposure, and UV light to check how fast it degrades.
Upscaling of Electrospinning Technology and the Application of Functionalized PVDF-HFP@TiO2 Electrospun Nanofibers for the Rapid Photocatalytic Deactivation of Bacteria on Advanced Face Masks
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed electrospun nanofiber membranes made from PVDF-HFP polymer combined with titanium dioxide for use in advanced face masks with photocatalytic antibacterial properties. The study demonstrated that these functionalized nanofiber filters effectively deactivated bacteria while maintaining high filtration performance, offering a potential alternative to conventional mask materials.
Biodegradable Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes as Promising Candidates for the Development of Face Masks
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the development of biodegradable electrospun nanofiber membranes as alternatives to conventional plastic face masks. Researchers summarize progress on materials including silk fibroin, polylactic acid, chitosan, cellulose, and zein, which can achieve strong filtration performance. The study highlights that degradable nanofiber filters offer a promising solution to reduce the environmental burden of plastic pollution from disposable face masks.
Development of reusable cloth mask with nanoparticle filtration efficiency greater than 95%
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a reusable cloth mask with nanoparticle filtration efficiency greater than 95%, motivated by the environmental concerns of single-use surgical and respirator masks that shed microplastic fibers, evaluating the novel mask material's filtration performance against respiratory droplets and particulates.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.