Ultrathin, Stimuli-Responsive, Antimicrobial, Self-Cleaning, Reusable, and Biodegradable, Micro/Nanofibrous Electrospun Mat as an Efficient Face Mask Filter for Airborne Disease Prevention

초록

A multifunctional, electrospun, ultrathin face mask is desirable for preventing disease spread while ensuring breathability. However, balancing ultrathin construction with antimicrobial efficacy is challenging. Here, we fabricated an ultrathin micro/nanofibrous electrospun matrix, consisting of three biodegradable polymer layers, for high antibacterial efficiency, breathability, and biodegradability. The outer layer, with an average thickness of 9.01 +/- 3.1 mu m, is composed of polycaprolactone (PCL), silver nitrate (AgNO3), and beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD). The middle layer, with a thickness of 4.61 +/- 1.4 mu m, comprises poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) as a conductive layer. The inner layer, with a thickness of 5.12 +/- 1.4 mu m, contains PVA, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) as a superabsorbent layer, supported by medical gauze. With a total thickness of similar to 300 mu m, the mask provides antibacterial efficacy, self-cleaning, reusability, mechanical stability, and biodegradability. This design advances filtering face masks, offering a solution to combat contagious diseases while minimizing environmental impact.

키워드