This invention is a water-soluble, biodegradable, and biocompatible spray composed of cellulose nanofibers and polyvinyl alcohol that enhances the filtration efficiency of textiles by creating a protective layer that can break the membranes of pathogens.
Background
The need for effective filtration systems, particularly in personal protective equipment like masks, has become increasingly critical, especially in the wake of global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. While conventional medical-grade masks offer high filtration efficiency, their single-use nature and reliance on non-biodegradable materials like polypropylene contribute significantly to environmental waste.
DIY fabric masks, while offering a sustainable alternative, often fall short in providing adequate protection due to the inherent porous structure of common fabrics, allowing for the penetration of harmful aerosol particles. Current approaches to enhancing mask filtration often involve incorporating synthetic materials or chemical treatments, which may raise concerns about biocompatibility, reusability, and environmental impact.
The reliance on non-renewable resources for mask production further exacerbates the issue of sustainability. Additionally, the uneven distribution of filtration enhancements on fabric surfaces can lead to inconsistent protection and potential weak points for particle penetration.
Technology description
This technology involves a composition designed to enhance filtration efficiency, particularly for materials like textiles. It comprises cellulose nanofibers (CNF) or their derivatives, an adhering agent such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and a carrier like an aqueous solvent. The composition forms a coating on the material, improving its barrier properties against particles, including aerosol particles.
The adhering agent helps bind the CNF to the material’s surface, creating a protective layer. This layer can even disrupt the membranes of certain cells, such as pathogens, enhancing the material’s protective capabilities. The composition is designed to be water-soluble, biodegradable, and biocompatible, making it suitable for repeated use and environmentally friendly disposal.
This technology is differentiated by its unique combination of CNF, PVA, and a carrier, specifically designed for application on various materials, including textiles. The use of CNF, a natural and abundant material, promotes sustainability and biocompatibility. PVA acts as an effective adhering agent, ensuring the CNF binds securely to the material’s surface, even withstanding washing.
The composition’s ability to disrupt cell membranes, particularly those of pathogens, adds another layer of protection, distinguishing it from conventional filtration methods. This combination of features makes the technology a promising solution for enhancing filtration efficiency in a sustainable and biocompatible manner.
Benefits
- Increased filtration efficiency against harmful aerosol particles
- Biodegradable and biocompatible composition
- Low-cost and allows for multi-use through home laundering
- Increased adhesion of CNF to the mask surface due to PVA
- Mimics the nanopillar structure of dragonfly wings to trap and rupture bacterial membranes
- Decreases water droplet contact angle on fabric surface, increasing adhesion for incident bacteria and/or viruses
Commercial applications
- Disposable surgical masks
- Reusable fabric masks
- Air filtration systems
- Antibacterial textiles
- Wound dressings
Links
https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2024076979A1/en?oq=+PCT%2fUS2023%2f075819
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/24723444241237302
