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- Title
Polymer Additives to Personal Protective Equipment can Inactivate Pathogens.
- Authors
Dogan, Alan B.; Dabkowski, Katherine E.; Cadnum, Jennifer L.; Donskey, Curtis J.; von Recum, Horst A.
- Abstract
Face masks have been proven to be medicine's best public health tool for preventing transmission of airborne pathogens. However, in situations with continuous exposure, lower quality and "do-it-yourself" face masks cannot provide adequate protection against pathogens, especially when mishandled. In addition, the use of multiple face masks each day places a strain on personal protective equipment (PPE) supply and is not environmentally sustainable. Therefore, there is a significant clinical and commercial need for a reusable, pathogen-inactivating face mask. Herein, we propose adding quaternary poly(dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate), q(PDMAHDM), abbreviated to q(PDM), to existing fabric networks to generate "contact-killing" face masks—effectively turning cotton, polypropylene, and polyester into pathogen resistant materials. It was found that q(PDM)-integrated face masks were able to inactivate both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in liquid culture and aerosolized droplets. Furthermore, q(PDM) was electrospun into homogeneous polymer fibers, which makes the polymer practical for low-cost, scaled-up production.
- Subjects
PERSONAL protective equipment; MICROBIOLOGICAL aerosols; MEDICAL masks; POLYMERS; GRAM-negative bacteria; POLYMER networks; NATURAL dyes &; dyeing; POLYPROPYLENE
- Publication
Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 2023, Vol 51, Issue 4, p833
- ISSN
0090-6964
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10439-022-03100-1