The high demand for N95 masks, especially during the COVID (Coronavirus disease)-19 pandemic, has caused shortages worldwide. This study aimed to examine the sterilization ability of the portable sterilizer prototype for N95 masks and its effect on the filtration ability and changes in air resistance on the N95 mask in order to thrift personal protective equipment (PPE) use during a shortage. The sample used was an N95 mask type 1860. The mask was contaminated with 0.6-0.8 MFU Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The sterilization methods used were Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI), Heat at 75°C, and a combination of both from 1 to 120 minutes. Next, the masks were cultured in a nutrient agar medium. For aerosol penetration and air resistance tests, masks were tested before and after the sterilization process, lasting from 5 to 60 minutes. This prototype sterilizer with Heat effectively killed E. coli and S. aureus starting from 3 minutes. The filtration ability of the N95 mask was maintained at >95% even after the sterilization process with 75°C heat, UVC, or a combination of both for up to 60 minutes. There was also no significant difference in air resistance between new masks and masks that had been sterilized using a portable sterilizer. This prototype sterilizer with Heat at 75°C can effectively sterilize against both gram-positive and negative bacteria in the N95 mask without reducing the aerosol filtration ability and changing the air resistance of the N95 mask.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.