Toward nanotechnology-enabled face masks against SARS-CoV-2 and pandemic respiratory diseases

Abstract

Wearing a face mask has become a necessity following the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, where its effectiveness in containing the pandemic has been confirmed. Nevertheless, the pandemic has revealed major deficiencies in the ability to manufacture and ramp up worldwide production of efficient surgical-grade face masks. As a result, many researchers have focused their efforts on the development of low cost, smart and effective face covers. In this article, following a short introduction concerning face mask requirements, the different nanotechnology-enabled techniques for achieving better protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus are reviewed, including the development of nanoporous and nanofibrous membranes in addition to triboelectric nanogenerators based masks, which can filter the virus using various mechanisms such as straining, electrostatic attraction and electrocution. The development of nanomaterials-based mask coatings to achieve virus repellent and sterilizing capabilities, including antiviral, hydrophobic and photothermal features are also discussed. Finally, the usability of nanotechnology-enabled face masks is discussed and compared with that of current commercial-grade N95 masks. To conclude, we highlight the challenges associated with the quick transfer of nanomaterials-enabled face masks and provide an overall outlook of the importance of nanotechnology in counteracting the COVID-19 and future pandemics.

Nanotechnology Transition Roadmap toward Multifunctional Stimuli-Responsive Face Masks

“…Innovative textile materials, biopolymers, nanostructured materials, 3D bioprinting, artificial intelligence, and stimuli-responsive nanoparticles are now considered the prime ingredients for tackling the challenge of producing intelligent, reusable face masks in the coming years. In all preliminary studies, it appears that this new direction can offer brilliant opportunities that must be investigated further . To be successful in the next years to come, innovative approaches must rely on dealing with the following essential aspects for key innovations: cross-disciplinary expertise, international research projects, young researchers’ exchange programs, and bi- and multilateral agreements between universities and research centers are solid and galvanizing approaches that can contribute to speeding up innovation.…”

“…In all preliminary studies, it appears that this new direction can offer brilliant opportunities that must be investigated further. 149 To be successful in the next years to come, innovative approaches must rely on dealing with the following essential aspects for key innovations: crossdisciplinary expertise, international research projects, young researchers' exchange programs, and bi-and multilateral agreements between universities and research centers are solid and galvanizing approaches that can contribute to speeding up innovation. However, scientists and researchers cannot be left alone in this race.…”

The Entrapment and Concentration of SARS-CoV-2 Particles with Graphene Oxide: An In Vitro Assay

“…Social distancing, maintaining good hand hygiene, and using face masks have been some of the preventive measures for life protection recommended by the World Health Organization [ 1 ] to mitigate the high infection rates before and after the development of vaccines. Nanomaterials with antiviral capacities, such as CuO, Ag, and TiO 2 , among others [ 2 ], have been proposed to be incorporated into face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to increase filtration efficiency and minimize infection risks among healthcare personnel and populations [ 3 ]. Graphene oxide (GO) consists of a graphene sheet with oxygen-rich functionalities randomly distributed on its surface [ 4 ] that has shown antibacterial and antiviral properties [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ] thanks to its ability to interact with microorganisms through hydrogen bridges, e.g., via electrolytic interactions, electrostatic trapping, the inactivation of virus and the host cell receptor, the physical–chemical destruction of viral species, and redox reactions, or via a mechanical shearing effect by breaking the virus envelope, so it has been proposed as a single or combined antiviral agent to be incorporated in PPE.…”

Ultrafast Plasmonic Nucleic Acid Amplification and Real-Time Quantification for Decentralized Molecular Diagnostics

“…25,26 However, these methods are still under development to increase the reusability of nanomaterials and the cost-effectiveness for the POC applications. 29 The RT-PCR strategies for the POC testing also demand fluorescence-based real-time detection for a prompt and accurate estimation of target gene expression in a low viral load. 30,31 The plasmonic PCR techniques struggle with the spectral crosstalk between photothermal excitation and fluorescence emission, limiting their real-time quantification.…”

“…Plasmonic photothermal effects of metallic nanomaterials provide creative inspiration for ultrafast amplification times. ,, For instance, the rapid PCR was achieved using laser-mediated volumetric heating from dispersed nanoparticles − or light-emitting diode (LED)-driven surface heating from large area nanostructures. − The plasmonic PCR often faces either nonspecific adsorption of PCR reagents to the nanomaterials or indirect temperature measurement, which substantially reduces the PCR efficiency . Unlike the nanoparticles, the plasmonic nanostructures effectively isolate the PCR mixtures by thin-film passivation and also simplify optical configuration for photothermal excitation. , However, these methods are still under development to increase the reusability of nanomaterials and the cost-effectiveness for the POC applications …”