We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Aerosol capture and coronavirus spike protein deactivation by enzyme functionalized antiviral membranes
Summary
Researchers developed nanostructured membranes coated with an enzyme that breaks down the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2, achieving over 98.9% filtration of coronavirus-sized particles and deactivating viral proteins within 30 seconds — outperforming N95 standards while offering both physical filtering and active antiviral action.
The airborne nature of coronavirus transmission makes it critical to develop new barrier technologies that can simultaneously reduce aerosol and viral spread. Here, we report nanostructured membranes with tunable thickness and porosity for filtering coronavirus-sized aerosols, combined with antiviral enzyme functionalization that can denature spike glycoproteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in low-hydration environments. Thin, asymmetric membranes with subtilisin enzyme and methacrylic functionalization show more than 98.90% filtration efficiency for 100-nm unfunctionalized and protein-functionalized polystyrene latex aerosol particles. Unfunctionalized membranes provided a protection factor of 540 ± 380 for coronavirus-sized particle, above the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's standard of 10 for N95 masks. SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein on the surface of coronavirus-sized particles was denatured in 30 s by subtilisin enzyme-functionalized membranes with 0.02-0.2% water content on the membrane surface.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Novel sustainable filter for virus filtration and inactivation
Researchers designed a reusable face mask filter combining a water-repelling layer with a copper layer that kills viruses, achieving 90% particle filtration and 99% virus inactivation within two hours — while also offering at least 10% easier breathing compared to standard surgical and KN95 masks.
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.
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.
Development of reusable cloth mask with nanoparticle filtration efficiency greater than 95%
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.
An overview of filtration efficiency through the masks: Mechanisms of the aerosols penetration
Researchers reviewed how different types of face masks filter airborne particles — including viral droplets and pollution aerosols — examining the physical and chemical mechanisms that govern how tiny particles penetrate mask layers under varying environmental conditions. The review finds that no single mask design is optimal for all aerosol sizes and conditions, and that better filtration requires understanding the interplay of particle size, humidity, and mask construction.