Fabrication of a highly protective 3D-printed mask and evaluation of its viral filtration efficiency using a human head mannequin

Measuring the quantity of harmful volatile organic compounds inhaled through masks

“…When social distancing is difficult, wearing a mask is recommended or mandatory, and it should cover both the nose and mouth tightly. Using masks designed to filter out at least 95% of particles, including viruses and bacteria (i.e., KF94, N95, FFP2), is highly recommended ( Han et al, 2021 , Knobloch et al, 2023 , Ohara et al, 2022 ). In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using two or more layers of cotton masks or N95 masks.…”

Recent advances and future perspectives in engineering biodegradable face masks

“…In recent years, the 3D printing of PLA has attracted attention as an affordable and attainable method of manufacturing face masks. [124][125][126] PLA is available in a wide range of colours to customise the masks. For instance, He and co-workers fabricated transparent, biodegradable PLA air lters by electrospinning PLA bers on aluminium foil, followed by PLA 3D printing over the electrospun layer.…”

High efficacy of activated carbon fabric filters and masks developed to prevent the inhalation of microorganisms and particles associated with respiratory tract infections

“…Other homemade alternatives began to merge to meet the demand for masks and materials for hospital use, such as the construction in three-dimensional (3D) printing of support for the placement of a reduced size filter, thus obtaining an efficient cover with the application of scarce filtering material. 11…”

“…9 Other homemade alternatives began to merge to meet the demand for masks and materials for hospital use, such as the construction in three-dimensional (3D) printing of support for the placement of a reduced size filter, thus obtaining an efficient cover with the application of scarce filtering material. 11 This article, therefore, describes the development of a high-filtration capacity mask consisting of layers of filter elements interspersed with several materials, such as super-activated carbon fiber fabric, non-woven polypropylene for mask for dental-medical-hospital use and antiviral polyamide (PA) fabric, subjected to nanostructured coating with thin SiO 2 film, thus conferring superhydrophobic properties (impermeable to water). 12,13 These masks are mainly intended for use by first responders and health professionals in hospital settings.…”