Biodegradable and multifunctional surgical face masks: A brief review on demands during COVID-19 pandemic, recent developments, and future perspectives

Abstract

Providing the greater public with the current coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines is time-consuming and research-intensive; intermediately, some essential ways to reduce the transmission include social distancing, personal hygiene, testing, contact tracing, and universal masking. The data suggests that universal masking, especially using multilayer surgical face masks, offers a powerful efficacy for indoor places. These layers have different functions including antiviral/antibacterial, fluid barrier, particulate and bacterial filtration, and fit and comfort. However, universal masking poses a serious environmental threat since billions of them are disposed on a daily basis; the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has put such demands and consequences in perspective. This review focuses on surgical face mask structures and classifications, their impact on our environment, some of their desirable functionalities, and the recent developments around their biodegradability. The authors believe that this review provides an insight into the fabrication and deployment of effective surgical face masks, and it discusses the utilization of multifunctional structures along with biodegradable materials to deal with future demands in a more eco-friendly fashion.

Face Masks to Combat Coronavirus (COVID-19)—Processing, Roles, Requirements, Efficacy, Risk and Sustainability

“…In a mask, non-woven SMS fabrics are typically used, which are spun-bond PP fabric (absorbent), melt-blown PP interlayer (electrically charged small fibrous material with random orientation), and spun-bond PP (blue color and hydrophobic) fabric on the outside [ 67 , 69 , 70 , 71 ]. Spunbond–meltblown–meltblown–spunbond (SMMS), spunbond–meltblown (SM), spunbond–spunbond (SS), spunbond–spunbond–spunbond (SSS), and spunbond–spunbond–meltblown–meltblown–spunbond (SSMMS) are the other most prevalent combinations of structures in various weight ranges [ 72 ]. Compared to other two layers, the middle layer contains fewer voids and acts as a filter, preventing harmful particles from entering [ 43 , 73 ].…”

“…The use of synthetic polymer has raised some environmental threats, such as non-renewable and non-biodegradable [ 72 ]. In the case of the PP face mask, COVID-19 has a detrimental effect on one’s health and finances and has an adverse impact on the environment.…”

Applicability of Membranes in Protective Face Masks and Comparison of Reusable and Disposable Face Masks with Life Cycle Assessment

“…On measures to limit the impact on the environment during the production and use of face masks, more sustainable practices are suggested, such as the use of plastics produced from renewable resources [58] or biodegradable materials [59], the use of renewable energy in production and transport, increased reusability, and proper disposal. The decontamination methods include physical methods (steam, heat (dry and humid), ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI)), and chemical methods (decontamination by ethylene oxide, bleach, vaporous hydrogen peroxide, and other chemical reagents was tested) [60,61].…”

Biodegradable Nanohybrid Materials as Candidates for Self-Sanitizing Filters Aimed at Protection from SARS-CoV-2 in Public Areas

“…However, the development of self-sanitizing surfaces by introducing antibacterial and antiviral coatings or materials is highly desired [14,15]. Antibacterial coatings and materials are widely studied and employed, while the antiviral or virucidal properties of the materials are less known [16].…”