Photo-responsive polypropylene/zinc oxide/polydopamine-TEMPO composite membranes with light-induced self-sterilization

作者：Hua‐Jie Wang, Hao Peng, Wen-Hao Ji, Jiaxin Wang, Xiao-Yan Du, Wen Song, Wen Zhang, Fazli Wahid, Ali Raza · 发表于：Nano Materials Science · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1016/j.nanoms.2024.04.012 · 被引用次数：4 · 研究领域：Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials、Membrane Separation Technologies、Water Quality Monitoring Technologies

Face masks play a pivotal role in preventing infection transmission. However, the capture of infection-sourced particles in face masks poses challenges related to reuse, necessitating proper disposal. We developed a self-sterilizable polypropylene-based membrane for face masks to address challenges associated with infection transmission prevention. The membrane, created using 3D printing, underwent functionalization with zinc oxide (ZnO) and polydopamine (PDA)-TEMPO to achieve broad-spectrum light absorption and facilitate self-sterilization through photocatalytic and photothermal effects upon light exposure. The hydrophobic surface (water contact angle: 133 ± 2°) minimized moisture accumulation, and the membrane exhibited robust mechanical properties, including shear strength (1.25 ± 0.5 kPa) and peel resistance strength (112.8 ± 11.2 kPa). The evaluation demonstrated stability in airflow (0–500 cm3/s) and excellent aerosol filtration efficiency (94.8 ± 0.6 %) for particles (PM 0.3, PM 2.5, PM 10), comparable to commercial masks. The membrane showed antibacterial efficacy over five uses in a simulated respiratory environment. Safety assessments confirmed biocompatibility through cytocompatibility and skin irritation assays. In conclusion, this membrane offers efficient filtration and photo-triggered sterilization, presenting a promising solution for next-generation face masks to address concerns related to reuse, disposal, and infection control.