Review on need for designing sustainable and biodegradable face masks: Opportunities for nanofibrous cellulosic filters

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2024-12, Vol.283 (Pt 2), p.137627, Article 137627
• Main Authors: Adepu, Shivakalyani, Siju, C.R., Kaki, Samuel, Bagannagari, Sharanya, Khandelwal, Mudrika, Bharti, Vikram Kishore
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air-filtration; Biodegradable face mask; Cellulose - chemistry; Cellulose nanofibers; COVID-19 - prevention & control; Filtration - instrumentation; Filtration - methods; Humans; Masks; Nanofibers - chemistry; SARS-CoV-2
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.137627

The surge in microbial illnesses, notably seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to the global use of face masks—cloth, surgical, medical, and respirator types—to curb respiratory pathogen spread. Widely used by the public, patients, and healthcare workers, masks play a key role in reducing airborne transmission. However, synthetic, non-biodegradable materials in these masks have sparked environmental concerns due to disposal issues. Moreover, challenges like limited microbial filtration, poor fit, breathing resistance, and low reusability raise further issues, as does the failure to neutralize trapped microbes. Addressing these issues calls for high-performance, biodegradable masks crafted from renewable nanofibrous materials using advanced technology. Antimicrobial nanomaterial coatings can further reduce contamination risks for users and the environment. Nanofibrous materials, with their high surface area, enhance filtration, allow customization, and improve capture efficiency. Research is progressing on sustainable, biodegradable filters, particularly with cellulose materials. This review outlines mask types and limitations, spotlighting nanofibrous filters for their filtration efficiency, breathability, and sustainability. It also delves into nanofiber manufacturing and assesses bacterial cellulose—a promising renewable nanofibrous material suited for air filtration.