We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
In Situ Real‐Time and Reusable Antibacterial Mask Based on CoO@Ag Nanozyme with Enhanced Catalytic Activity
Summary
Researchers synthesized a CoO@Ag nanozyme that rapidly generates singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals at room temperature and incorporated it into a reusable antibacterial mask, demonstrating that the mask can inactivate bacteria in real time while reducing the microplastic pollution caused by disposable surgical masks.
Daily mask-wearing is a critical strategy for preventing pathogen infections and curbing their rapid spread. However, the widespread use of disposable commercial masks not only escalates microplastic pollution but also acts as a mobile carrier for pathogenic bacteria, further fueling their dissemination. To address these challenges, a facile room-temperature reduction method is employed to synthesize CoO@Ag nanozyme with enhanced catalytic activity. The Ag-decorated CoO nanozyme exhibits robust catalytic enzyme-like activity, rapidly generating abundant surface-bound singlet oxygen (1O2) and hydroxyl radicals (·OH) to effectively inactivate bacteria. The prepared CoO@Ag-PAN (CAP) mask exhibits exceptional in situ real-time antibacterial properties, enabling bacterial inactivation within 20 min even under dark conditions. Under simulated sunlight exposure, complete bacterial disinfection is achieved in just 90 s. Critically, the CAP mask displays minimal temperature elevation after 3 h of winter sunlight exposure, ensuring no thermal discomfort or harm during routine outdoor use. Additionally, it retains high filtration efficiency and outstanding reusability. The work addresses the critical need for masks that balance protection, antibacterial functionality, and sustainability across multi-scenario daily applications (indoor and outdoor), offering an innovative strategy for developing real-time, high-performance protective equipment.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Antibacterial/Antiviral Face Masks: Processing, Characteristics, Challenges, and Sustainability
This review examines the development of antibacterial and antiviral face masks — including the materials, processing methods, and antimicrobial agents used — and discusses sustainability challenges associated with mask disposal. It is tangentially relevant to microplastics because single-use masks are now recognized as a significant emerging source of microplastic and nanoparticle pollution when they fragment in the environment, though this paper focuses primarily on mask performance and design rather than their pollution impact.
Nanotechnology-Enhanced Face Masks: Future Scopes and Perspectives
This review assessed nanotechnology-based approaches for creating reusable face masks, motivated by the massive single-use mask waste generated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nano-enhanced masks with antimicrobial and self-cleaning properties were identified as a promising path toward reducing both environmental contamination and pathogen transmission.
Efficacy Evaluation of Cu- and Ag-Based Antibacterial Treatments on Polypropylene Fabric and Comparison with Commercial Products
Researchers evaluated copper- and silver-based antibacterial treatments on polypropylene fabric for reusable filter masks, comparing their efficacy against commercial products to address the environmental burden of disposable face masks.
Protein‐Based Face Mask with High SARS‐CoV‐2 Neutralization Ability and Breathability
This paper describes the development of a protein-based face mask designed to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 by capturing spike proteins. It is not about microplastics and is not relevant to microplastic research.
Functional Fiber Membranes with Antibacterial Properties for Face Masks
Researchers developed fiber-based membranes with built-in antibacterial properties for use in face masks, aiming to create filtration materials that can both block particles and actively kill pathogens to improve mask performance and safety.