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Virucidal and Bactericidal Filtration Media from Electrospun Polylactic Acid Nanofibres Capable of Protecting against COVID-19
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Researchers developed an electrospun polylactic acid nanofibre filter medium (FilterLayr Eco) incorporating manuka oil terpenoids, demonstrating filtration of up to 99.9% of 0.1 µm particles and killing over 99% of airborne fungi, bacteria, and viruses including SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. The biobased, industrially compostable material retained antimicrobial and filtration efficacy after multiple washing cycles, meeting N95 and ASTM F2100 Level 2 standards.
Electrospun nanofibres excel at air filtration owing to diverse filtration mechanisms, thereby outperforming meltblown fibres. In this work, we present an electrospun polylactide acid nanofibre filter media, FilterLayrTM Eco, displaying outstanding bactericidal and virucidal properties using Manuka oil. Given the existing COVID-19 pandemic, face masks are now a mandatory accessory in many countries, and at the same time, they have become a source of environmental pollution. Made by NanoLayr Ltd., FilterLayrTM Eco uses biobased renewable raw materials with products that have end-of-life options for being industrially compostable. Loaded with natural and non-toxic terpenoid from manuka oil, FilterLayr Eco can filter up to 99.9% of 0.1 µm particles and kill >99% of trapped airborne fungi, bacteria, and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (Delta variant). In addition, the antimicrobial activity, and the efficacy of the filter media to filtrate particles was shown to remain highly active following several washing cycles, making it a reusable and more environmentally friendly option. The new nanofibre filter media, FilterLayrTM Eco, met the particle filtration efficiency and breathability requirements of the following standards: N95 performance in accordance with NIOSH 42CFR84, level 2 performance in accordance with ASTM F2100, and level 2 filtration efficiency and level 1 breathability in accordance with ASTM F3502. These are globally recognized facemask and respirator standards.
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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.
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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.
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