Agri-Food Extracts Effectiveness in Improving Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties of Face Masks: A Proof-of-Concept Study.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Passaglia E
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8013645 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:IntroductionDuring the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been suggestions that various techniques could be employed to improve the fit and, therefore, the effectiveness of face masks. It is well recognized that improving fit tends to improve mask effectiveness, but whether these fit modifiers are reliable remains unexplored. In this study, we assess a range of common "fit hacks" to determine their ability to improve mask performance.MethodsBetween July and September 2020, qualitative fit testing was performed in an indoor living space. We used quantitative fit testing to assess the fit of both surgical masks and KN95 masks, with and without 'fit hacks', on four participants. Seven fit hacks were evaluated to assess impact on fit. Additionally, one participant applied each fit hack multiple times to assess how reliable hacks were when reapplied. A convenience of four participants took part in the study, three females and one male with a head circumference range of 54 to 60 centimetres.Results and discussionThe use of pantyhose, tape, and rubber bands were effective for most participants. A pantyhose overlayer was observed to be the most effective hack. High degrees of variation were noted between participants. However, little variation was noted within participants, with hacks generally showing similar benefit each time they were applied on a single participant. An inspection of the fit hacks once applied showed that individual facial features may have a significant impact on fit, especially the nose bridge.ConclusionsFit hacks can be used to effectively improve the fit of surgical and KN95 masks, enhancing the protection provided to the wearer. However, many of the most effective hacks are very uncomfortable and unlikely to be tolerated for extended periods of time. The development of effective fit-improvement solutions remains a critical issue in need of further development.
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Project description:To control infectious diseases, various applications of nanotechnology have been used to enhance the self-cleaning and antibacterial properties of materials. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial properties of face masks coated with TiO2 nanoparticles. The antibacterial efficacies of cloth face masks coated with TiO2 were measured by inoculating them in bacterial suspensions (105 CFUs from both E. coli and S. aureus). The results showed that TiO2 nanoparticle solutions (at 2%) reduced the starting inoculum of 105 CFUs (5 log cfu/cm2) of E. coli and S. aureus to 1.3 and 1.68 log, respectively, with antibacterial activities of 3.7 and 3.34 log, respectively. Furthermore, at a 1% concentration, the antibacterial activities against E. coli and S. aureus were 2.1 and 2.01 log, respectively, while at a low concentration (0.5%), the antibacterial activities against E. coli and S. aureus were 1.8 and 1.72 log, respectively. The CFUs in all the experimental groups were significantly lower than those in the control group (saline). In conclusion, TiO2 nanoparticle solutions with a high concentration (2%) demonstrated a strong antibacterial effect on E. coli and S. aureus, and the difference was statistically significant, while a significant antibacterial activity was demonstrated with lower concentration (0.5% and 1%) nanoparticle solutions of TiO2 after 18 h. There was a statistically significant difference regarding colony reduction between E. coli and S. aureus even at 3 h. The antibacterial activities of TiO2 in face masks could be promising for reducing the risk of bacterial infections.
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