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Respiratory infections are very common around the world as they are easily spread through respiratory droplets and aerosols also known as bioaerosols. Bioaerosols are able to travel great distances and persist in the atmosphere for a long time, which facilitates the spread of diseases, leading to outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 or n-CoV2019 was first identified in December 2019. Since then, we have undoubtedly experienced a global pandemic. The virus is usually spread from person to person through coughing, talking, sneezing, etc. But it has been slowed down or stopped with personal efforts. Part of this effort includes wearing masks. In the wake of the unprecedented COVID-19 outbreak, the importance of personal protective masks for public health and healthcare professionals has never been more evident. These masks are a critical barrier to prevent the spread of the virus (wearing a mask blocks the entry of aerosols into the body during breathing). Large-scale studies have shown that face coverings are an effective non-pharmaceutical measure to control the spread of respiratory infections. Making their manufacture and design the most important thing. While traditional mask manufacturing technology has met the needs to a certain extent, the emergence of new technologies is expected to greatly improve their efficiency and effectiveness. Most masks are disposable, and so are the filter layers. In response to the growing demand for masks, researchers have made significant efforts to address the shortage of masks and enhance effective mask protection. Among these cutting-edge methods, electrospinning stands out as a fundamental method for manufacturing ultrathin, flexible, and wearable nanofibers, thus paving the way for breakthrough advances in mask production. Electrospinning is a fundamental method for preparing a variety of flexible and wearable nanofibers. This advanced procedure was first explored in the 1930s and began to engage in prominent concentration in the late 20th century, considering the enhanced commercial and academic attention. In recent years, nanofibers have attracted global attention due to their exciting properties such as fineness, conductivity, lightness, flexibility, and scalability.
The main point of this paper
Technical advantages:
Electrospinning technology is able to produce nanofibers with diameters ranging from tens to hundreds of nanometers. These fibers have a high surface area to volume ratio, enhanced filtration capacity and breathability, which is essential for improving the comfort and filtration efficiency of masks.
Research progress:
Research groups around the world are exploring improvements in masks, including formulation, development, cost-effectiveness and the use of suitable materials to make multifunctional, reusable and disposable masks.
Material classification:
The materials involved in electrospinning can be divided into three categories: synthetic polymer materials, natural polymer materials and mixed polymer materials.
Environmentally friendly materials:
Special attention is paid to the use of water-soluble and biodegradable synthetic polymer materials, such as polylactic acid (PLA), which are derived from renewable plant resources, have good biodegradability and have a positive impact on environmental protection.
Innovation needs:
In the face of ever-changing challenges and emerging pathogens, personal protective masks need to be continuously innovated to provide better protection.
Technology application:
Electrospinning technology is not only used to improve the filtering performance of masks, but may also be combined with smart devices such as integrated respiratory sensors, materials with antibacterial properties, and 3D printed masks customized for different environments.
Advantages of electrospinning technology:
It can produce ultra-thin, flexible, and wearable nanofibers, which enhances the filtration capacity and breathability of masks and improves wearing comfort.
Performance characteristics of masks:
The super hydraulic performance, super filtration performance, air purity performance, and super antibacterial performance of masks are studied to enhance the protective effect of masks.
Application of smart devices:
The application of smart devices in masks is explored, such as disposable masks with breathing sensors, surgical masks with antibacterial functions, and 3D printed masks for highly polluted environments.
Material selection:
The focus is on the materials used in electrospinning technology, including synthetic polymer materials, natural polymer materials, and mixed polymer materials, with special mention of water-soluble and biodegradable synthetic polymer materials such as polylactic acid (PLA).
Environmental protection and sustainability:
The importance of using environmentally friendly materials, such as polylactic acid, is emphasized. These materials are derived from renewable resources and can be completely degraded by microorganisms after use, reducing environmental pollution.
The use of electrospinning to create and improve personal protective masks is a major advance in respiratory protection. The COVID-19 pandemic and the demands of healthcare institutions have particularly highlighted this progress. Electrospinning can create very thin and flexible nanofibers, which are essential to the construction of masks, providing higher levels of protection and comfort. Careful selection of materials is critical, with a range of possibilities, including synthetic water-soluble and biodegradable polymers, as well as natural and blended polymers. Each substance is selected based on its specific contribution to the overall effectiveness of the mask. The intricate design of these masks demonstrates the complexity of the manufacturing process. Several layers of the mask have specific functions: the outer layer is the main barrier against contaminants, the filter layer is to remove microscopic particles, the antimicrobial layer is to neutralize pathogens, and the inner layer is to ensure wearer comfort. Using this layered approach to mask design not only improves performance, but also allows protection to be customized to cope with various environmental conditions. Recent technological breakthroughs have enabled innovative smart devices to be incorporated into these masks, enhancing their usefulness. Disposable masks now have breath sensors that monitor breathing patterns, surgical masks have antimicrobial properties to reduce the risk of infection, and 3D-printed masks are designed for high-contamination situations, ensuring optimal fit and filtration. In addition, the field of electrospinning mask technology is experiencing tremendous progress, with research focusing on the use of charged nanofibers to improve particle capture efficiency and the study of innovative materials to improve filtration capabilities. The incorporation of smart technology is also an emerging field, with advances in wearable sensors for monitoring health conditions and gadgets that allow real-time assessment of the surrounding environment.
This discovery provides a solid foundation for future innovations, inspiring scholars to further develop electrospun personal protective masks.
