Effective and Efficient Nanofibers Based Composite Antimicrobial Filtration Mask Containing Graphene Oxide and AgNPs for Multifunctional Applications

Owing to the increased emergence of viral diseases, microbial contaminations, micropollutants in the environment and ozone depletion, human health and safety concerns have extensively grown necessitating the need for effective protective measures. The research presents a protective nanocomposite fabricated by cellulose acetate nanofibers directly deposited on cotton base fabric for protection of human health from the microbial hazards, detrimental micro-contaminants and harmful UV radiations. The research aimed at development of the protective nanocomposite by a simple strategy to avoid otherwise used sandwiching and compression methodologies suggesting a wet-treatment method with a wetting agent. The nanocomposites were produced from biopolymers to ensure environmental sustainability and with higher filtration efficiencies, UV resistance and antimicrobial properties for safety and protection. The samples were characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD and TEM analysis. The nanocomposite demonstrated 99.2% (without pneumatic-suction) and 97% (with pneumatic-suction) efficiencies contrary to conventional cloth which depicted only 98 and 0% efficiencies, respectively. Excellent bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties were confirmed by halo width measurement and cell viability analysis. The sample were able to demonstrate 95.1 and 96.4% bactericidal efficiencies against E. coli and S. aureus strains. The results showed quite low UVB and UVA transmittance and 50+ UV protection factor (AS/NZS4399). The calculated UV protection factor was 6388. Thus, the fabricated composite could be a potential candidate for protection against harmful microbial species, hazardous micro-contaminants and UV radiations.