Evaluation of the efficacy of NanoPak Mask®: A polyacrylonitrile/copper oxide nanofiber respiratory mask

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The global spread and pandemics of various infectious and viral diseases, in recent years has doubled the significance of protection masks, especially respiratory masks with better breathability and antibacterial and antiviral properties. On the other hand, the COVID-19 pandemics has motivated researchers to study effective respiratory masks. Moreover, different factors such as air pollution have long led to various respiratory diseases and even death. In the meantime, the production of an antibacterial mask capable of trapping nanoscale particles is indispensable due to the conditions for the growth of bacteria on the mask. This study is thus aimed at investigating the performance of the first electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/Copper oxide (CuO) nanofiber respiratory mask, also called NanoPak Mask®. Copper oxide nanoparticles were selected as an antibacterial agent due to their favorable antimicrobial properties and abundance, as well as cost-effectiveness. FESEM, EDX, and FTIR analyses were used to assess the morphological properties, CuO content, and presence the substrate components, respectively. Surface hydrophilicity was evaluated based on the water contact angle. The biocompatibility and antibacterial properties were examined by MTT assay and viable cell count test. The addition of CuO nanoparticles did not alter the diameter of nanofibers and cell toxicity, on the contrary, it enhanced the surface hydrophilicity of nanofibers and its antibacterial properties. The results of the present study showed that the respirator NanoPak Mask® is a nanosized intermediate layer and biocompatible breath mask with antibacterial properties duo to containing PAN/CuO nanofiber. Therefore, the NanoPak Mask® demonstrates the promising potential for scaling up to an industrial level and entering the market.