Polymer Porous Fibrous Structures with Antiviral Properties

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The general long term objective of my research program is the development of fibrous nonwoven structures for functional applications such as filters, sensors, scaffolds, masks, medical gowns etc. Many of these applications are involved in our daily life uses as well as in the health sector. The short term objective of my research program is to develop fibrous polymer nonwoven structures with materials and strategies that can impart them with an antiviral functionality, but still achieve their other requirements such as flexibility, filtration/permeation ability, etc. In addition, due to the pollution potential of such polymer based products, their recyclability/degradability aspects will be taken into account. At least two different materials (one biodegradable: polycaprolactone, PCL, and one non degradable: polypropylene, PP) and structures with combined micro and nano sized fibers will be studied. The specific objectives are defined in relation to the type of active materials, in terms of antiviral properties, that will be studied in the next five years. These antiviral agents in plastic materials can be categorized as: (i) metallic nanoparticles, (ii) cationic ion carriers, (iii) metallic and ammonium salts, (iv) coordination complexes, and (v) essential oils. In terms of methodology, compounding of the polymers with the additives will be performed using a mini-compounder, an internal mixer or a twin screw extruder. Electrospinning will be performed using various set-ups and equipments from both solution and the melt (using heated syringes and/or microcompouder), simultaneously or sequentially. Electrospun active nonwoven mats will be evaluated in terms of structure, permeability to various gases and filtration capabilities. The antiviral properties will be evaluated in our most recent class II laboratory for antibacterial and antiviral testing using standard procedures. It should be noted that, based on US environmental protection agency (EPA) virucide effectiveness test guide, at least 3 log reduction in TCID50 data (which means the concentration at which 50% of the cells are infected when a test tube or well plate upon which cells have been cultured is inoculated with a dilute solution of viral fluid, compared to a control sample) is required for an agent to be considered as an effective virucide. For compostability and degradation, our lab has developed in recent years a laboratory scale setup for composting based on ASTM D5338 and will be used for biodegradable polymers nonwovens. For recyclability, the nonwoven structures will be compounded in a microtruder, internal mixer or twin screw extruder again and re-used for electrospinning, with or without addition of virgin materials. With the present outbreak of covid-19 disease, prevention and/or reduction of viral transmission will have a significant societal, economic and health impact in addition to training highly qualified personnel in this area which will benefit Canadian industry.