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Papers
20 resultsShowing papers similar to In Situ Real‐Time and Reusable Antibacterial Mask Based on CoO@Ag Nanozyme with Enhanced Catalytic Activity
ClearAntibacterial/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.
Upcycling discarded cellulosic surgical masks into catalytically active freestanding materials
Researchers developed a method to upcycle discarded cellulosic surgical masks into catalytically active freestanding materials, repurposing pandemic-generated plastic waste into functional industrial materials. The study demonstrated that the cellulosic fiber structure of surgical masks could be converted into usable catalytic substrates through chemical processing.
Facemask Global Challenges: The Case of Effective Synthesis, Utilization, and Environmental Sustainability
This review examines the environmental challenges of surging face mask production during COVID-19, including their role as sources of microplastic pollution in water, and discusses sustainable alternatives including nanomaterial-based self-cleaning mask designs.
Bioinspired single-atom nanozymes for microplastic degradation
Researchers designed copper single-atom nanozymes inspired by natural laccase enzymes and tested their ability to degrade microplastics. The bioinspired catalysts mineralized more than 90% of microplastic material into non-toxic products. The study presents a promising new strategy for addressing microplastic pollution using engineered nanoscale catalysts.
Antiviral/antibacterial biodegradable cellulose nonwovens as environmentally friendly and bioprotective materials with potential to minimize microplastic pollution
Biodegradable cellulose nonwoven materials incorporating antiviral and antibacterial agents were developed as a sustainable alternative to polypropylene face masks, demonstrating comparable filtration performance with significantly faster environmental degradation, reducing the microplastic pollution burden of disposable PPE.
Nano-copper ions assembled cellulose-based composite with antibacterial activity for biodegradable personal protective mask
Researchers developed an antibacterial face mask using cotton fabric modified with nano-copper ions via electrostatic adsorption, achieving 96% particle filtration efficiency, 100% antibacterial activity, and sustained antiviral performance after 50 wash cycles, offering a biodegradable alternative to single-use synthetic masks.
Nanotechnology-enabled face masks: Balancing protection and pollution in aquatic environments
This review examined the dual role of nanotechnology-enhanced face masks in providing antimicrobial protection while also releasing micro- and nanoplastics into aquatic environments when improperly disposed. The authors call for better mask design standards and disposal strategies to balance protective benefits against environmental pollution.
Identification of Microplastics and Non-Microplastics Released from Masks under Environmental Conditions
Researchers found that single-use surgical masks worn during the COVID-19 pandemic release microplastics under environmental stress, with UV exposure generating the most particles (approximately 120 items per mask), followed by mechanical abrasion and high-temperature exposure.
Uncovering the Release of Micro/nanoplastics from Disposable Face Masks at Times of COVID-19
Researchers found that disposable face masks release significant amounts of micro- and nanoplastic particles when subjected to water exposure and mechanical stress similar to environmental conditions. This confirms that the massive use of masks during COVID-19 introduced new sources of microplastic pollution into the environment.
Photocatalytic Generation of Singlet Oxygen by Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Antibacterial Applications
This study developed graphitic carbon nitride photocatalysts for generating singlet oxygen as an antimicrobial agent, evaluating their effectiveness against pathogens in water treatment and assessing potential for co-degradation of microplastics.
The Bad Side of Face Masks and How Bacteria Can Help
This review examines how single-use face masks contributed to environmental microplastic pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic and explores how bacteria and other microorganisms might be harnessed to biodegrade mask-derived microplastics in wastewater treatment systems.
Smart Mask Disinfection System (SMDS)
This paper describes the Smart Mask Disinfection System (SMDS) developed in response to increased COVID-19 face mask waste, which poses environmental hazards as discarded masks break down into microplastics in waterways. The system aims to disinfect and extend the usable life of masks, reducing both pathogen transmission risk from discarded masks and the microplastic pollution generated by single-use mask disposal.
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.
Needleless electrospun phytochemicals encapsulated nanofibre based 3-ply biodegradable mask for combating COVID-19 pandemic
Researchers developed a three-layer biodegradable face mask combining cotton outer layers with a polylactic acid nanofibrous filtration layer infused with plant-derived antimicrobials, achieving 97.9% bacterial filtration efficiency and demonstrating biodegradation in a microbial slurry — offering a potential eco-friendly alternative to single-use synthetic masks.
Aerosol capture and coronavirus spike protein deactivation by enzyme functionalized antiviral membranes
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.
Magnetic Peroxidase Nanozyme Gears Up for Microplastic Removal and Deconstruction
Researchers developed a magnetic peroxidase nanozyme capable of removing and deconstructing microplastics, offering a novel enzymatic approach that overcomes limitations of conventional plastic waste handling methods like landfilling and incineration.