Nanofiberous facemasks as protectives against pandemic respiratory viruses

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Wearing protective face masks and respirators has been a necessity to reduce the transmission rate of respiratory viruses since the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. Nevertheless, the outbreak has revealed the need to develop efficient air filter materials and innovative anti-microbial protectives. Nanofibrous facemasks, either loaded with antiviral nanoparticles or not, are very promising personal protective equipment (PPE) against pandemic respiratory viruses.

Areas covered

In this review, multiple types of face masks and respirators are discussed as well as filtration mechanisms of particulates. In this regard, the limitations of traditional face masks were summarized and the advancement of nanotechnology in developing nanofibrous masks and air filters was discussed. Different methods of preparing nanofibers were explained. The various approaches used for enhancing nanofibrous face masks were covered.

Expert opinion

Although wearing conventional face masks can limit viral infection spread to some extent, the world is in great need for more protective face masks. Nanofibers can block viral particles efficiently and can be incorporated into face masks in order to enhance their filtration efficiency. Also, we believe that other modifications such as addition of antiviral nanoparticles can significantly increase the protection power of facemasks.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• face masks
• respirators
• nanotechnology
• nanofibers

Article highlights

• The role of nanofibers in facemasks and respirators as protectives against respiratory viruses was elucidated.

• Different types of face masks and respirators were summarized, as well as their pros and cons.

• Employing nanotechnology in developing nanofibrous masks and air filters was discussed.

• The various discussed approaches used for enhancing nanofibrous face masks and other protectives were, including using antiviral polymers, natural compounds, and metal and metal oxide nanoparticles.

• Sustainability and re-usability of face masks were covered.

• Factors affecting fitting outcomes and filtering performance of respirators were included.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

A reviewer on this manuscript works for a government agency, the US CDC/NIOSH. Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no other relevant financial relationships or otherwise to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.