Fabrication of Electrospun Nanocomposite Fibers with Antibacterial and Superhydrophobic Properties for Mask Application

This study presents the synthesis of electrospun nanocomposite fibers (NCFs) with antibacterial properties for use in face masks. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2019 caused a surge in global demand for face masks to help curb the virus’s spread. In response, recycled polystyrene (PS) was utilized to produce NCFs with superhydrophobic surfaces, serving as an active filtration layer to protect against COVID-19. PS, a major contributor to hazardous waste that pollutes oceans, landfills, and the environment, was sourced from food packaging obtained from a grocery store. Addressing PS waste through its recycling into functional polymers offers an innovative solution. The NCFs produced by electrospinning were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and water contact angle (WCA) measurements. These NCFs, with their small fiber diameters, form submicron pores that provide excellent filtration for particles, bacteria, and viruses. The NCFs demonstrate antibacterial properties due to the inclusion of antibacterial materials in the polymer blend before electrospinning. The WCA results indicate that PS/polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)/titanium oxide (TiO ₂ )/Indigofera NCF and PS/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/Activated Carbon NCF are superhydrophobic, with WCAs exceeding 150°, while others are classified as hydrophobic with WCAs below 150°. The NCFs exhibit bead-free, uniform ribbon-like morphologies. MTT assay results show that most NCFs are biocompatible; however, combinations like PS/PMMA/TiO ₂ /Quebracho Red NCF display cell viability below 0.7, indicating they are not biocompatible. Overall, the electrospun NCFs produced demonstrate good characterization through WCA, TGA, FTIR, and antibacterial testing, making them suitable for face mask production. However, materials like PS, PMMA, TiO ₂ , Quebracho Red, PTFE, and activated carbon show absorbance values below the optimal range of 0.7 to 1.2, limiting their potential use. These findings highlight the potential of recycled PS-based NCFs as a sustainable and effective solution for protective face masks, combining environmental benefits with advanced filtration and antibacterial properties.