Tannic-Acid-Enriched Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanofibrous Membrane as a UV-Shie lding and Antibacterial Face Mask Filter Material

Abstract

Face masks are increasingly important in the battle against infectious diseases and air pollution. Nanofibrous membranes (NFMs) are promising filter layers for removing particulate matter (PM) without restricting air permeability. In this study, tannic-acid-enriched poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA−TA) NFMs were fabricated by electrospinning PVA solutions containing large amounts of tannic acid (TA), a multifunctional polyphenol compound. We were able to prepare uniform electrospinning solution without coacervate formation by inhibiting the robust hydrogen bonding between PVA and TA. Notably, the NFM maintained its fibrous structure even under moist conditions after heat treatment without the use of a cross-linking agent. Further, the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the PVA NFM were improved by the introduction of TA. The functional PVA NFM with a high TA content showed excellent UVshielding (UV-A: 95.7%, UV-B: 100%) and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (inhibition zone: 8.7 ± 1.2 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (inhibition zone: 13.7 ± 0.6 mm). Moreover, the particle filtration efficiency of the PVA−TA NFM for PM 0.6 particles was 97.7% at 32 L min −1 and 99.5% at 85 L min −1 , indicating excellent filtration performance and a low pressure drop. Therefore, the TA-enriched PVA NFM is a promising mask filter layer material with excellent UV-blocking and antibacterial properties and has the potential for various practical applications.

Tannin-Assisted Synthesis of Nanocomposites Loaded with Silver Nanoparticles and Their Multifunctional Applications

“…Moreover, the TA-PFRN@Ag nanocomposites also exhibit high ultraviolet (UV) shielding. As shown in Figure S12a, the introduction of TA 5 -PFRN@Ag endowed the materials with excellent UV-blocking performance, which was attributed to the large amounts of phenolic–OH groups in TA and PFRN molecules . In Figure S12b, through the TA 5 -PFRN@Ag-containing PVA films, gold-colored fluorescence is not transmitted in UV-sensitive areas (Figure S12c).…”

PVA-Based Electrospun Materials—A Promising Route to Designing Nanofiber Mats with Desired Morphological Shape—A Review

“…Electrospun nanofibers, particularly those incorporating PVA, have emerged as versatile materials for advanced PPE development. Numerous studies have investigated the use of electrospun nanofibrous membranes in PPE applications, showcasing their potential for providing UV-shielding, antibacterial and antiviral properties, and high filtration efficiency [171][172][173][174]. Abbas et al developed a novel multilayer mask with a degradable, multifunctional hybrid filter composite.…”

Construction of highly hydrated and mechanically strong anti-fouling coatings for deep-sea probes based on poly(vinyl alcohol) tannic acid zwitterion coatings

“…23 What is more, because TA-based materials are extremely durable in physiological settings and harmless to in vitro grown cells, they hold great promise for use in a variety of biomedical and other sectors. 24–28 In some previous studies, 29,30 it was demonstrated that the mechanical performances of PVA were greatly improved by the incorporation of TA. In addition, due to the addition of TA, the antibacterial properties of PVA hydrogel coatings have also been improved to a certain extent.…”