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Biodegradable Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes as Promising Candidates for the Development of Face Masks
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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.
Aerosol particles, such as the widespread COVID-19 recently, have posed a great threat to humans. Combat experience has proven that masks can protect against viruses; however, the epidemic in recent years has caused serious environmental pollution from plastic medical supplies, especially masks. Degradable filters are promising candidates to alleviate this problem. Degradable nanofiber filters, which are developed by the electrospinning technique, can achieve superior filtration performance. This review focuses on the basic introduction to air filtration, the general aspects of face masks, and nanofibers. Furthermore, the progress of the state of art degradable electrospun nanofiber filters have been summarized, such as silk fibroin (SF), polylactic acid (PLA), chitosan, cellulose, and zein. Finally, the challenges and future development are highlighted.
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Advances in electrospun nanofiber-based personal protective equipment for active filtration
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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
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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.
Electrospun nanofiber membranes for the control of micro/nanoplastics in the environment
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This review examines electrospun nanofiber membranes as next-generation filtration materials for removing micro- and nanoplastics from water, analyzing their performance advantages over conventional membranes and identifying remaining challenges for practical environmental application.
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
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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.
Tunable and Biodegradable Poly(Ester Amide)s for Disposable Facemasks
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Researchers synthesized seven novel poly(ester amide) (PEA) polymers from biosourced materials for use as biodegradable disposable facemask components, addressing microplastic pollution from conventional disposable masks. Two PEA grades achieved full biodegradation within 35 days and were compatible with electrospinning, producing ultra-thin filter fibers with microparticle capture efficiency and air permeability comparable to commercial filters.
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