Antibacterial face mask filter utilizing ginger/PVA electrospun microfibers

Abstract

The public has been taking preventive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, one of which is wearing a face mask. These face masks, however, have pores bigger than the virus itself. Thus, this study focused on synthesizing antibacterial face mask filters using Ginger/Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) electrospun microfiber. The mask’s breathability, bacterial filtration efficiency, mechanical property, and wettability were also evaluated. Three different solutions were formed with varying concentrations of Ginger extract (10%, 50%, and 100%). The microfibers produced by the electrospinning process were crosslinked before testing. The surface morphology shows that at 10% ginger/PVA microfibers, the average diameter is 2.947±0.392 μm. The average number of bacterial colonies for 10%, 50%, and 100% Ginger/PVA were 0.000±0.000, 1.000±0.1010, and 4.333±3.055, respectively. Furthermore, water contact angle analysis showed that 10% Ginger/PVA microfibers have a greater contact angle (60.236±8.609o) than 100% Ginger/PVA microfibers (40.222±4.829o). Nonetheless, all concentrations showcased hydrophilic behavior. Moreover, mechanical test results imply that annealing treatment increases the microfibers' strength and elongation (19.645 mm, 23.500 mm, 32.110 mm > 13.704 mm, 14.947 mm, 29.095 mm). The breathability test revealed that pure PVA microfibers have lower porosity due to decreasing pore size and spaces between fibers (41.270% < 32.201%). The antimicrobial activity (10.127±0.585 mm, 10.343±0.691 mm, 10.817±0.513 mm) and bacterial filtration efficiency (99.167%, 99.808%, 100%) increase as the concentration of the Ginger/PVA solution increases, making produced microfiber a potential antibacterial face mask filter.