The COVID-19 emergency has evidenced that the utilization of face masks plays a crucial role in limiting the outbreaks since they can both reduce the pathogens spreading from the sick and/or the infection of healthy people according to their technical features. Especially in this pandemic, health care professionals utilize face masks/respirators all day long without replacing them very frequently, thus representing a potential source of contagious for patients and themselves. Nanotechnology is a powerful tool with the capability to produce nanoscale materials with unique physicochemical and anti-pathogen properties. Taking advantage of this opportunity, this project aims at realizing the next generation of non-disposable and smart face masks by bridging the multifunctional properties of bioactive fibrous and stimuli-responsive nanomaterials. The breakthrough idea proposed in this cross-disciplinary research project is the development of a next-level technology aiming at demonstrating the realization of innovative and personalized 3D printed (designs obtained from a library of 3D heads) and reusable face masks possessing the mechanical strength and elasticity of electrospun nanofibers along with cascade-like functionality because of the presence of smart and light-responsive nanomaterials. High filtration level (efficiency 99%) and moisture pump capability is obtained thanks to the utilization of a bilayer of an electrospun membrane. In addition, the presence of copper nanoclusters and gold bipyramids enable the realization of a chemically-driven anti-pathogen activity and on-demand, white light-triggered, photo-thermal disinfection (60 °C). Results developed in the framework of this project will bring enormous advantages to the entire global community, especially for front-line personnel. They will open up great opportunities for innovative and advanced medical applications.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health emergency, and it represents the most significant challenge we have experienced since World War II. We have all learned that the pandemic is more than a health crisis because it has the strength to produce significant economic and political effects. Before vaccines are utilized widely and effective against new variants, we must learn to live with the new coronavirus while minimizing the risk of transmission. Among the few basic rules we are all aware of, such as social distancing and handwashing with soap, face masks represent a formidable weapon for minimizing the risk of infection between people. However, besides the adverse environmental impact, face masks are not very well tolerated by specific population groups. For all the reasons above, there is a need to develop next-generation face masks with a set of fundamental requirements such as high filtration capabilities, elevated comfort level, moisture pump technology, and self/assisted disinfection properties. Thanks to nanotechnology development, it has been possible to design functional devices with unique chemical-physical characteristics in recent years. Taking advantage of that, in this project, we have envisioned a new avenue for realizing innovative and nanotechnology-driven face masks. Indeed, commercially available conventional respirators offer different ranges of filtration efficiency obtained using polymer-based microfibrous structures. [1, 2] The next generation of face masks is designed applying a brand-new concept, which combines the unique properties of electrospun nanofibers, plasmonic nanoparticles, inorganic nanoclusters, and 3D printed structures. [3] The employment of a functional smart hierarchical nanostructured material furnishes fascinating novel properties to face masks, including light activation, on-demand pathogen elimination, effective filtration, moisture control, and the possibility to digitally personalize the final respirator. Nanofibers produced by the electrospinning technique and personalized from a library of 3D heads via a DDM technique ensure a high filtration level, moisture pump technology, and an elevated comfort level. Engineered and active nanomaterials decorating the electrospun nanofibers, such as Cu NCs are utilized for their chemically-driven intrinsic bactericidal and antiviral activity. At the same time, Au NPs turn out to be excellent photo-converters for exploiting a synergistically assisted photo-thermal disinfection. The proposed innovation and excellence have a clear vision for realizing environmentally friendly next-generation face masks. The proposal goes beyond the development of another face mask. The idea is to develop a new device that can be reactivated under the smartphone light. The consortium has gathered a critical mass of knowledge, expertise, and technical know-how to develop with the cooperation the needed steps towards innovative nanotechnology, emphasizing research excellence and covering a wide range of fields from the academy to industrial applications of potential use. Healthcare professions make up 10% of Europe's workforce.
References
1) WHO ¿ Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): masks (https://www.who.int/)
2) K. O¿Dowd et al. Materials 2020, 13, 3363
3) L. De Sio et al. Chemistry : A European Journal 2021, 27, 6112