This patent describes a new kind of face mask that is much better at protecting you from germs and pollution, and it's also good for the environment. Unlike regular masks that just block particles, this mask has a special middle layer made of tiny, thin threads (nanofibers). These nanofibers are embedded with two key ingredients: tiny silver particles that kill bacteria and viruses, and activated carbon that traps harmful gases and tiny airborne particles. Because of this unique design, the mask filters the air very effectively, stopping almost all bacteria and small dust particles. What's even better is that it's easy to breathe through, so it's more comfortable to wear for longer periods. Plus, the main material of the mask is biodegradable, meaning it breaks down naturally after you dispose of it, reducing plastic waste. And since its effectiveness doesn't depend on static electricity, you can reuse it without losing its filtering power. Essentially, it's a powerful, comfortable, and eco-friendly mask for better respiratory protection.
There is an urgent need for effective, eco-friendly face masks due to the high demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditional surgical masks, while useful, have limitations such as reduced filtration efficacy, non-reusability, and generation of non-biodegradable medical waste. Enhanced masks with antimicrobial layers often suffer from production complexity, high costs, and poor breathability.
- Enhancement of filtration efficiency: Polycaprolactone (PCL) based nanofibrous filters were fabricated using electrospinning technique. The nanofibrous structure provides better filtration efficiency due to its fiber arrangement and electrostatic potential.
- Incorporation of bioactive components: Inclusion of activated carbon and silver nanoparticles in the nanofibrous membrane helps with adsorption of aerosols and inactivation of entrapped microbes, respectively.
- Reusability: The filtration efficiency depends upon the pore size and not electrostatic potential, thus, making it reusable.
- Biodegradable: The polymer chosen for nanofibrous filters is polycaprolactone which is FDA approved, biodegradable and biocompatible. Eventually the entire face mask can be developed into a biodegradable, nature friendly mask by changing the outer layers as well.
- Close-fit design: The design of existing surgical masks can be modified and made similar to that of an N95 mask, which has a close-fit design.
Construction and testing of a fabricated 3-ply surgical mask which serves as a functional prototype for demonstrating the invention's effectiveness. This prototype involved replacing the middle layer of a commercially available 3-ply surgical mask with a single layer of their bioactive nanofibrous membrane. This membrane was composed of electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers, internally incorporated % with 0.5 activated carbon and 400 μg/ml silver nanoparticles.
The developed face masks have been tested and validated in accredited laboratories, demonstrating particulate and microbial filtration efficiency comparable to N95 masks. These surgical masks offer high filtration efficiency while remaining cost-effective and breathable.
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The development of these advanced biodegradable masks addresses the critical need for effective respiratory protection while minimizing environmental waste. These masks enhance public health safety, especially in pandemic situations, and reduce the reliance on non-biodegradable materials, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Healthcare, Environmental Sustainability, Textiles, Biotechnology, Government/Public Health.
Geography of IP
Type of IP
202121008638
480119