An Anti-Infective Polymer Coating to Reduce Surface Transmission of Pathogens on Personal Protective Equipment
Highlights
Development of polymer coatings for antibacterial activity on surgical masks.
Quick mask functionalization process achievable in less than 2 minutes via dip coating.
High efficacy demonstrated against bacteria:
Staphylococcus aureus: 2.0 log reduction
Escherichia coli: 1.5 log reduction
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: 0.8 log reduction
Combination coatings (QAC and ciprofloxacin):
S. aureus: 2.1 log reduction
E. coli: 4.1 log reduction
P. aeruginosa: 7.3 log reduction
Coatings maintain breathability and filtration efficiency of masks.
Abstract
Face masks are crucial for protection but can become infection sources if reused improperly.
The coating uses anti-fouling poly(oligoethylene glycol methacrylate) (POEGMA) with hydrazide groups and a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) and/or ciprofloxacin.
Coatings applied via simple aqueous dip-coating process on spunbonded polypropylene.
Achieves significant bacterial reduction while maintaining ASTM standards for barrier face coverings.
Introduction
Face masks are essential for protecting against airborne microorganisms, used heavily during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Environmental impacts due to non-degradability of masks leading to waste.
Alternating disinfection methods exist but are not widely accessible.
Anti-infective coatings offer a potential solution; however, metal-based coatings raise toxicity concerns.
QACs are known for anti-pathogen activity, but existing coatings face leaching issues.
A new copolymer with POEGMA, QAC, and hydrazide groups is proposed for better adhesion and safety.
Ciprofloxacin is added for enhanced efficacy against gram-negative bacteria.
Materials and Methods
OEGMA475, dimethyl 2,2-azobis(2-methylpropionate), thioglycolic acid, and other compounds used in polymer synthesis.
The coating applied via a dip-coating process after a plasma treatment of the mask material.
Polymer Characterization
Antimicrobial polymers synthesized using a free radical polymerization process.
Co-polymers include QAC and hydrazide groups.
Ciprofloxacin-functionalized polymers for broad-spectrum antibacterial properties.
Discussion
Benefits of POEGMA-based coatings include bactericidal efficacy with retained mask functionality.
The QAC monomer reduces environmental and safety concerns associated with leaching.
Demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial properties effective within 5 hours.
Conclusion
The study presents an innovative anti-infective polymer coating with POEGMA, QACs, and optionally ciprofloxacin.
Demonstrates effective antibacterial action while ensuring mask compliance with key standards for safety and performance.