scholarly journals Recent advancements in nonwoven bio-degradable facemasks to ameliorate the post-pandemic environmental impact

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junaid Khan ◽  
Syed Abdul Momin ◽  
M. Mariatti ◽  
V. Vilay ◽  
M. Todo
Keyword(s):  
Standardized Tests ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Filtration Efficiency ◽  
Degradable Polymers ◽  
Environmental Footprint ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Lifecycle Assessment ◽  
Effective Measure ◽  
Polymer Biodegradation ◽  
Concise Information

Abstract Plastics have become a severe risk to natural ecosystems and human health globally in the last two decades. The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, which led to the manufacturing and use of billions of facemasks made from non-biodegradable and petroleum-derived polymers has aggravated the situation further. There is an urgent need to develop bio-degradable facemasks with excellent filtration efficiency and antimicrobial characteristics using scalable technology. This review article aims to provide the fundamentals of mask technology, its environmental footprint, facemask’s lifecycle assessment, conventional manufacturing routes, and state-of-the-art reports on using bio-degradable polymers for facemask applications. The article also focuses on the current challenges of the conventional facemask and the prospects of an ideal facemask that could significantly reduce the ill effects of petroleum-based polymers. The review includes concise information on the basics of polymer biodegradation and standardized tests to evaluate biodegradability. The use of currently available facemasks has been an effective measure to curb the infection rate, however, is a threat to the environment. Reusing the facemask after decontamination is not a solution from a safety perspective as cloth-based facemasks have lower filtration efficiencies which get further reduced with the washing cycle necessitating a shift towards biodegradable facemask. Systematic information is provided through this article to stimulate research on a bio-degradable facemask with excellent filtration efficiency, antimicrobial properties, and cost-effectiveness for global usage.

scholarly journals In Vivo Toxicity Assessment of Chitosan-Coated Lignin Nanoparticles in Embryonic Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 111
Author(s):  
Jared S. Stine ◽  
Bryan J. Harper ◽  
Cathryn G. Conner ◽  
Orlin D. Velev ◽  
Stacey L. Harper
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Toxicity Assessment ◽  
Environmental Footprint ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Charged Surfaces ◽  
Chorionic Membrane ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
And Control ◽  
Oppositely Charged

Lignin is the second most abundant biopolymer on Earth after cellulose. Since lignin breaks down in the environment naturally, lignin nanoparticles may serve as biodegradable carriers of biocidal actives with minimal environmental footprint compared to conventional antimicrobial formulations. Here, a lignin nanoparticle (LNP) coated with chitosan was engineered. Previous studies show both lignin and chitosan to exhibit antimicrobial properties. Another study showed that adding a chitosan coating can improve the adsorption of LNPs to biological samples by electrostatic adherence to oppositely charged surfaces. Our objective was to determine if these engineered particles would elicit toxicological responses, utilizing embryonic zebrafish toxicity assays. Zebrafish were exposed to nanoparticles with an intact chorionic membrane and with the chorion enzymatically removed to allow for direct contact of particles with the developing embryo. Both mortality and sublethal endpoints were analyzed. Mortality rates were significantly greater for chitosan-coated LNPs (Ch-LNPs) compared to plain LNPs and control groups. Significant sublethal endpoints were observed in groups exposed to Ch-LNPs with chorionic membranes intact. Our study indicated that engineered Ch-LNP formulations at high concentrations were more toxic than plain LNPs. Further study is warranted to fully understand the mechanisms of Ch-LNP toxicity.

scholarly journals Durable Nanocomposite Face Masks with High Particulate Filtration and Rapid Inactivation of Coronaviruses

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Gonzalez ◽  
Hamada A. Aboubakr ◽  
John Brockgreitens ◽  
Weixing Hao ◽  
Yang Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zinc Oxide ◽  
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Filtration Efficiency ◽  
Viral Envelope ◽  
Oxide Nanoparticles ◽  
Unique Challenge ◽  
Infectivity Rate ◽  
Particulate Filtration

Abstract The COVID−19 pandemic presents a unique challenge to the healthcare community due to the high infectivity rate and need for effective personal protective equipment. Zinc oxide nanoparticles have shown promising antimicrobial properties and are recognized as a safe additive in many food and cosmetic products. This work presents a novel nanocomposite synthesis approach, which allows zinc oxide nanoparticles to be grown within textile and face mask materials, including melt-blown polypropylene and nylon-cotton. The resulting nanocomposite achieves greater than 3 log 10 reduction (≥ 99.9%) in coronavirus titer within a contact time of 10 minutes, by disintegrating the viral envelope. The new nanocomposite textile retains activity even after 100 laundry cycles and has been dermatologist tested as non-irritant and hypoallergenic. Various face mask designs were tested to improve filtration efficiency and breathability while offering antiviral protection, with Claros’ design reporting higher filtration efficiency than surgical masks (> 50%) for particles ranged 200nm to 5µm in size.

scholarly journals bioORMOCER®—Compostable Functional Barrier Coatings for Food Packaging

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1257
Author(s):  
Katharina Emmert ◽  
Sabine Amberg-Schwab ◽  
Francesca Braca ◽  
Agostino Bazzichi ◽  
Antonio Cecchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Standardized Tests ◽  
Solid State Nmr ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Food Packaging ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Barrier Properties ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Barrier Coatings ◽  
Amination Reaction

Biodegradable packaging materials are already in use. However, there are severe restrictions preventing the broad application in food packaging, especially due to insufficient barrier properties. Our idea was to improve these properties with a biodegradable coating. The Fraunhofer-Institut für Silicatforschung ISC has been developing high-barrier coatings for various packaging applications based on a class of materials with glass-like structural units, named ORMOCER®. However, these state-of-the-art ORMOCER® coatings are not biodegradable. The aim of our work was to modify ORMOCER® to become biodegradable and, at the same time, preserve the barrier and functional properties. This was achieved by the incorporation of functionalized tamarind hemicellulose Glyate® into the ORMOCER® matrix. For this purpose a two-step amination reaction of Glyate® was chosen. The aminated product was analyzed by FTIR, solid-state NMR and elemental analysis. New aminated Glyate® containing bioORMOCER® lacquers could be synthesized. Lacquer quality assessment was performed by Raman spectroscopy. The properties of the resulting coatings were evaluated by laser scanning microscopy (LSM), oxygen transmission rates (OTR) measurements, E-Module determination and adhesion tests. Standardized tests for compostability, overall migration and antimicrobial properties were performed for the bioORMOCER® coatings. The evaluation showed that the new bioORMOCER® coatings are suitable for sustainable food packaging.

scholarly journals DEVELOPMENT OF NON-WOVEN FILTER FOR 3 LAYER MASK FROM BAMBOO/POLYPROPYLENE FIBERS

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 21-24
Author(s):  
Kanchana Devi S ◽  
Rajkumar G
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Natural Fibers ◽  
Polypropylene Fiber ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Filtration Efficiency ◽  
Bamboo Fiber ◽  
Woven Fabric ◽  
Barrier Material ◽  
Affected Person ◽  
Blend Ratios

The necessary element of non-public protecting instrumentation is mask. Mask is most necessary in pandemic as a result it safeguard our life by stopping the spreading of the Corona virus by entrapping the droplets from the corona affected person to enter wearer’s nose. There are different typed of mask like non- woven mask, reusable mask, N95 mask and artifact mask etc. Majority of business masks are non-woven masks that are created from polypropylene fiber. The most downside of non-woven masks is its discomfort and affect lack of breathability. This drawback is solved by utilizing natural fibers collectively of the material in non-woven and victimization them in mask. Bamboo fiber may be a natural celluloid fiber having smart comfort properties with antimicrobial properties. Bamboo fiber is also hydroscopic, natural deodorizer and hypoallergenic which provides good breathability and comfort. The polypropylene fiber is used with bamboo to provide good strength and abrasion property. Hence an attempt is made to develop a surgical mask from bamboo fiber with different blend ratios of 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50 of Bamboo and Polypropylene fiber to judge its mechanical properties like GSM and thickness potential as a protecting barrier material in non-woven face masks. The developed non-woven fabric of different blend is compared with each other, and the results shows 50: 50 blend has good mechanical properties, and the results show an effective value of Bacterial Filtration efficiency and Differential Pressure which are the most important parameters to predict the filtration efficiency of a surgical mask.

scholarly journals Durable nanocomposite face masks with high particulate filtration and rapid inactivation of coronaviruses

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Gonzalez ◽  
Hamada A. Aboubakr ◽  
John Brockgreitens ◽  
Weixing Hao ◽  
Yang Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zinc Oxide ◽  
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Filtration Efficiency ◽  
Viral Envelope ◽  
Oxide Nanoparticles ◽  
Unique Challenge ◽  
Infectivity Rate ◽  
Particulate Filtration

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique challenge to the healthcare community due to the high infectivity rate and need for effective personal protective equipment. Zinc oxide nanoparticles have shown promising antimicrobial properties and are recognized as a safe additive in many food and cosmetic products. This work presents a novel nanocomposite synthesis approach, which allows zinc oxide nanoparticles to be grown within textile and face mask materials, including melt-blown polypropylene and nylon-cotton. The resulting nanocomposite achieves greater than 3 log10 reduction (≥ 99.9%) in coronavirus titer within a contact time of 10 min, by disintegrating the viral envelope. The new nanocomposite textile retains activity even after 100 laundry cycles and has been dermatologist tested as non-irritant and hypoallergenic. Various face mask designs were tested to improve filtration efficiency and breathability while offering antiviral protection, with Claros’ design reporting higher filtration efficiency than surgical masks (> 50%) for particles ranged 200 nm to 5 µm in size.

Analyzing the Potential Benefit of Microcomputer Use for Teaching Figurative Language

1992 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 36-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilyn A. Nippold ◽  
Ilsa E. Schwarz ◽  
Molly Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Standardized Tests ◽  
Figurative Language ◽  
Language Intervention ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Educational Materials ◽  
Language Learning Disabilities ◽  
Promising Application ◽  
Experience Difficulty

Microcomputers offer the potential for increasing the effectiveness of language intervention for school-age children and adolescents who have language-learning disabilities. One promising application is in the treatment of students who experience difficulty comprehending figurative expressions, an aspect of language that occurs frequently in both spoken and written contexts. Although software is available to teach figurative language to children and adolescents, it is our feeling that improvements are needed in the existing programs. Software should be reviewed carefully before it is used with students, just as standardized tests and other clinical and educational materials are routinely scrutinized before use. In this article, four microcomputer programs are described and evaluated. Suggestions are then offered for the development of new types of software to teach figurative language.

Dynamic Assessment With Bilinguals: A Focus on Increasing Clinicians' Confidence

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 112-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda K. Gorman
Keyword(s):  
Standardized Tests ◽  
Dynamic Assessment ◽  
English Speakers ◽  
Bilingual Children ◽  
Assessment Practices ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Idea 2004 ◽  
Disabilities Education Act ◽  
Effective Dynamic ◽  
Education Act

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are obligated to judiciously select and administer appropriate assessments without inherent cultural or linguistic bias (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA], 2004). Nevertheless, clinicians continue to struggle with appropriate assessment practices for bilingual children, and diagnostic decisions are too often based on standardized tests that were normed predominately on monolingual English speakers (Caesar & Kohler, 2007). Dynamic assessment is intended to be a valid and unbiased approach for ascertaining what a child knows and can do, yet many speech-language pathologists (SLPs) struggle in knowing what and how to assess within this paradigm. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to present a clinical scenario and summarize extant research on effective dynamic language assessment practices, with a focus on specific language tasks and procedures, in order to foster SLPs' confidence in their use of dynamic assessment with bilingual children.

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