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Žáčková S, Pávová M, Trylčová J, Chalupová J, Priss A, Lukšan O, Weber J. Upregulation of mRNA Expression of ADGRD1/GPR133 and ADGRG7/GPR128 in SARS-CoV-2-Infected Lung Adenocarcinoma Calu-3 Cells. Cells 2024; 13:791. [PMID: 38786015 PMCID: PMC11119037 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) play an important role in neurodevelopment, immune defence and cancer; however, their role throughout viral infections is mostly unexplored. We have been searching for specific aGPCRs involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection of mammalian cells. In the present study, we infected human epithelial cell lines derived from lung adenocarcinoma (Calu-3) and colorectal carcinoma (Caco-2) with SARS-CoV-2 in order to analyse changes in the level of mRNA encoding individual aGPCRs at 6 and 12 h post infection. Based on significantly altered mRNA levels, we identified four aGPCR candidates-ADGRB3/BAI3, ADGRD1/GPR133, ADGRG7/GPR128 and ADGRV1/GPR98. Of these receptors, ADGRD1/GPR133 and ADGRG7/GPR128 showed the largest increase in mRNA levels in SARS-CoV-2-infected Calu-3 cells, whereas no increase was observed with heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and virus-cleared conditioned media. Next, using specific siRNA, we downregulated the aGPCR candidates and analysed SARS-CoV-2 entry, replication and infectivity in both cell lines. We observed a significant decrease in the amount of SARS-CoV-2 newly released into the culture media by cells with downregulated ADGRD1/GPR133 and ADGRG7/GPR128. In addition, using a plaque assay, we observed a reduction in SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in Calu-3 cells. In summary, our data suggest that selected aGPCRs might play a role during SARS-CoV-2 infection of mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Žáčková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic; (S.Ž.); (M.P.); (J.T.); (J.C.); (A.P.); (O.L.)
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Charles University, Faculty of Sciences, 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marcela Pávová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic; (S.Ž.); (M.P.); (J.T.); (J.C.); (A.P.); (O.L.)
| | - Jana Trylčová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic; (S.Ž.); (M.P.); (J.T.); (J.C.); (A.P.); (O.L.)
| | - Jitka Chalupová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic; (S.Ž.); (M.P.); (J.T.); (J.C.); (A.P.); (O.L.)
| | - Anastasiia Priss
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic; (S.Ž.); (M.P.); (J.T.); (J.C.); (A.P.); (O.L.)
| | - Ondřej Lukšan
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic; (S.Ž.); (M.P.); (J.T.); (J.C.); (A.P.); (O.L.)
| | - Jan Weber
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic; (S.Ž.); (M.P.); (J.T.); (J.C.); (A.P.); (O.L.)
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2
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Machková A, Vaňková E, Obrová K, Fürhacker P, Košutová T, Lion T, Hanuš J, Scholtz V. Silver nanoparticles with plasma-polymerized hexamethyldisiloxane coating on 3D printed substrates are non-cytotoxic and effective against respiratory pathogens. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1217617. [PMID: 37637122 PMCID: PMC10450633 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1217617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the emerging resistance of microorganisms and viruses to conventional treatments, the importance of self-disinfecting materials is highly increasing. Such materials could be silver or its nanoparticles (AgNPs), both of which have been studied for their antimicrobial effect. In this study, we compared the biological effects of AgNP coatings with and without a plasma-polymerized hexamethyldisiloxane (ppHMDSO) protective film to smooth silver or copper coatings under three ambient conditions that mimic their potential medical use (dry or wet environments and an environment simulating the human body). The coatings were deposited on 3D printed polylactic acid substrates by DC magnetron sputtering, and their surface morphology was visualized using scanning electron microscopy. Cytotoxicity of the samples was evaluated using human lung epithelial cells A549. Furthermore, antibacterial activity was determined against the Gram-negative pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and antiviral activity was assessed using human rhinovirus species A/type 2. The obtained results showed that overcoating of AgNPs with ppHMDSO creates the material with antibacterial and antiviral activity and at the same time without a cytotoxic effect for the surrounding tissue cells. These findings suggest that the production of 3D printed substrates coated with a layer of AgNPs-ppHMDSO could have potential applications in the medical field as functional materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Machková
- Department of Physics and Measurements, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Eva Vaňková
- Department of Physics and Measurements, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Klára Obrová
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paola Fürhacker
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tereza Košutová
- Department of Macromolecular Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Thomas Lion
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan Hanuš
- Department of Macromolecular Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Vladimír Scholtz
- Department of Physics and Measurements, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Prague, Czechia
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3
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Zhu Y, Gu X, Dong Z, Wang B, Jin X, Chen Y, Cui M, Wang R, Zhang X. Regulation of polylactic acid using irradiation and preparation of PLA-SiO 2-ZnO melt-blown nonwovens for antibacterial and air filtration. RSC Adv 2023; 13:7857-7866. [PMID: 36909768 PMCID: PMC9996230 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra08274h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, polypropylene melt-blown nonwovens (MBs) have been widely used in disposable medical surgical masks and medical protective clothing, seriously threatening the environment. As a bio-based biodegradable polymer, polylactic acid (PLA) has attracted great attention in fabricating MBs. However, there are still issues with the undesirable spinnability of PLA and the limited filtration and antibacterial performance of PLA MBs. Herein, a high-efficiency, low-resistance, and antibacterial PLA filter is fabricated by melt-blown spinning and electret postprocessing technology. The irradiation technique is used to tune PLA chain structure, improving its spinnability. Further, silica (SiO2) nanoparticles are added to enhance the charge storage stability of PLA MBs. With a constant airflow rate of 32 L min-1, the PLA-based MBs exhibit a high particulate filtration efficiency of 94.8 ± 1.5%, an ultralow pressure drop of 14.1 ± 1.8 Pa, and an adequate bacterial filtration efficiency of 98 ± 1.2%, meeting the medical protective equipment standard. In addition, the zinc oxide (ZnO) masterbatches are doped into the blend and the antibacterial rate of PLA-based MBs against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus is higher than 99%. This successful preparation and modification method paves the way for the large-scale production of PLA MBs as promising candidates for high-efficacy and antibacterial filters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlong Zhu
- School of Materials Design & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology Beijing 100029 China
| | - Xiaoxia Gu
- School of Materials Design & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology Beijing 100029 China
| | - Zhenfeng Dong
- School of Materials Design & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology Beijing 100029 China
| | - Bin Wang
- School of Materials Design & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology Beijing 100029 China .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Clothing Materials R & D and Assessment, Beijing Engineering Research Center of Textile Nanofiber, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology Beijing 100029 China
| | - Xu Jin
- School of Materials Design & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology Beijing 100029 China
| | - Yankun Chen
- School of Materials Design & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology Beijing 100029 China
| | - Meng Cui
- School of Materials Design & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology Beijing 100029 China
| | - Rui Wang
- School of Materials Design & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology Beijing 100029 China
| | - Xiuqin Zhang
- School of Materials Design & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology Beijing 100029 China .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Clothing Materials R & D and Assessment, Beijing Engineering Research Center of Textile Nanofiber, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology Beijing 100029 China
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Jiang H, Luo D, Wang L, Zhang Y, Wang H, Wang C. A review of disposable facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic: A focus on microplastics release. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 312:137178. [PMID: 36368541 PMCID: PMC9640709 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 epidemic seriously threats the human society and provokes the panic of the public. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are widely utilized for frontline health workers to face the ongoing epidemic, especially disposable face masks (DFMs) to prevent airborne transmission of coronavirus. The overproduction and massive utilization of DFMs seriously challenge the management of plastic wastes. A huge amount of DFMs are discharged into environment, potentially induced the generation of microplastics (MPs) owing to physicochemical destruction. The MPs release will pose severe contamination burden on environment and human. In this review, environmental threats of DFMs regarding to DFMs fate in environment and DFMs threats to aquatic and terrestrial species were surveyed. A full summary of recent studies on MPs release from DFMs was provided. The knowledge of extraction and characterizations of MPs, the release behavior, and potential threats of MPs derived from DFMs was discussed. To confront the problem, feasible strategies for control DFMs pollution were analyzed from the perspective of source control and waste management. This review provides a better understanding the threats, fate, and management of DFMs linked to COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongru Jiang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Luo
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Luyao Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yingshuang Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Chongqing Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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5
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Li X, Lin Y, Liu M, Meng L, Li C. A review of research and application of polylactic acid composites. J Appl Polym Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/app.53477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangrui Li
- Key Laboratory of Wood Materials Science and Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering Beihua University Jilin China
| | - Yu Lin
- Key Laboratory of Wood Materials Science and Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering Beihua University Jilin China
| | - Mingli Liu
- Key Laboratory of Wood Materials Science and Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering Beihua University Jilin China
| | - Lipeng Meng
- Forestry Resource Utilization Institute Jilin Forestry Scientific Research Institute Jilin China
| | - Chunfeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Wood Materials Science and Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering Beihua University Jilin China
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6
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Kašparová P, Vaňková E, Paldrychová M, Svobodová A, Hadravová R, Jarošová Kolouchová I, Masák J, Scholtz V. Non-thermal plasma causes Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm release to planktonic form and inhibits production of Las-B elastase, protease and pyocyanin. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:993029. [PMID: 36211963 PMCID: PMC9544392 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.993029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing risk of antibiotic failure in the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections is largely related to the production of a wide range of virulence factors. The use of non-thermal plasma (NTP) is a promising alternative to antimicrobial treatment. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of knowledge about the effects of NTP on the virulence factors production. We evaluated the ability of four NTP-affected P. aeruginosa strains to re-form biofilm and produce Las-B elastase, proteases, lipases, haemolysins, gelatinase or pyocyanin. Highly strains-dependent inhibitory activity of NTP against extracellular virulence factors production was observed. Las-B elastase activity was reduced up to 82% after 15-min NTP treatment, protease activity and pyocyanin production by biofilm cells was completely inhibited after 60 min, in contrast to lipases and gelatinase production, which remained unchanged. However, for all strains tested, a notable reduction in biofilm re-development ability was depicted using spinning disc confocal microscopy. In addition, NTP exposure of mature biofilms caused disruption of biofilm cells and their dispersion into the environment, as shown by transmission electron microscopy. This appears to be a key step that could help overcome the high resistance of P. aeruginosa and its eventual elimination, for example in combination with antibiotics still highly effective against planktonic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Kašparová
- Laboratory of Applied Biology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Prague, Czechia
- Laboratory of Non-thermal Plasma, Department of Physics and Measurements, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Petra Kašparová,
| | - Eva Vaňková
- Laboratory of Applied Biology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Prague, Czechia
- Laboratory of Non-thermal Plasma, Department of Physics and Measurements, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martina Paldrychová
- Laboratory of Applied Biology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Prague, Czechia
- Laboratory of Non-thermal Plasma, Department of Physics and Measurements, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Alžběta Svobodová
- Laboratory of Applied Biology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Romana Hadravová
- Viral and Microbial Proteins, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Irena Jarošová Kolouchová
- Laboratory of Applied Biology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jan Masák
- Laboratory of Applied Biology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Vladimir Scholtz
- Laboratory of Non-thermal Plasma, Department of Physics and Measurements, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Prague, Czechia
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7
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Bhattacharjee S, Bahl P, Chughtai AA, Heslop D, MacIntyre CR. Face masks and respirators: Towards sustainable materials and technologies to overcome the shortcomings and challenges. NANO SELECT 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/nano.202200101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shovon Bhattacharjee
- Biosecurity Program The Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine University of New South Wales Kensington Sydney Australia
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Faculty of Engineering and Technology Noakhali Science and Technology University Noakhali Bangladesh
| | - Prateek Bahl
- School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
| | - Abrar Ahmad Chughtai
- School of Population Health Faculty of Medicine University of New South Wales Kensington Sydney Australia
| | - David Heslop
- School of Population Health Faculty of Medicine University of New South Wales Kensington Sydney Australia
| | - C. Raina MacIntyre
- Biosecurity Program The Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine University of New South Wales Kensington Sydney Australia
- College of Public Service and Community Solutions and College of Health Solutions Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
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8
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Chen Z, Zhang W, Yang H, Min K, Jiang J, Lu D, Huang X, Qu G, Liu Q, Jiang G. A pandemic-induced environmental dilemma of disposable masks: solutions from the perspective of the life cycle. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:649-674. [PMID: 35388819 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00509j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has swept the world and still afflicts humans. As an effective means of protection, wearing masks has been widely adopted by the general public. The massive use of disposable masks has raised some emerging environmental and bio-safety concerns: improper handling of used masks may transfer the attached pathogens to environmental media; disposable masks mainly consist of polypropylene (PP) fibers which may aggravate the global plastic pollution; and the risks of long-term wearing of masks are elusive. To maximize the utilization and minimize the risks, efforts have been made to improve the performance of masks (e.g., antivirus properties and filtration efficiency), extend their functions (e.g., respiration monitoring and acting as a sampling device), develop new disinfection methods, and recycle masks. Despite that, from the perspective of the life cycle (from production, usage, and discard to disposal), comprehensive solutions are urgently needed to solve the environmental dilemma of disposable masks in both technologies (e.g., efficient use of raw materials, prolonging the service life, and enabling biodegradation) and policies (e.g., stricter industry criteria and garbage sorting).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zigu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Weican Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Hang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Ke Min
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
- Key Laboratory of Phytochemical R&D of Hunan Province, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Traditional Chinese Medicine Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Dawei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Xiu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
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Obrová K, Vaňková E, Sláma M, Hodek J, Khun J, Ulrychová L, Nogueira F, Laos T, Sponseiler I, Kašparová P, Machková A, Weber J, Scholtz V, Lion T. Decontamination of High-Efficiency Mask Filters From Respiratory Pathogens Including SARS-CoV-2 by Non-thermal Plasma. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:815393. [PMID: 35237577 PMCID: PMC8883054 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.815393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The current pandemic resulted in a rapidly increasing demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) initially leading to severe shortages of these items. Hence, during an unexpected and fast virus spread, the possibility of reusing highly efficient protective equipment could provide a viable solution for keeping both healthcare professionals and the general public equipped and protected. This requires an efficient decontamination technique that preserves functionality of the sensitive materials used for PPE production. Non-thermal plasma (NTP) is a decontamination technique with documented efficiency against select bacterial and fungal pathogens combined with low damage to exposed materials. We have investigated NTP for decontamination of high-efficiency P3 R filters from viral respiratory pathogens in comparison to other commonly used techniques. We show that NTP treatment completely inactivates SARS-CoV-2 and three other common human respiratory viruses including Influenza A, Rhinovirus and Adenovirus, revealing an efficiency comparable to 90°C dry heat or UVC light. Unlike some of the tested techniques (e.g., autoclaving), NTP neither influenced the filtering efficiency nor the microstructure of the filter. We demonstrate that NTP is a powerful and economic technology for efficient decontamination of protective filters and other sensitive materials from different respiratory pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klára Obrová
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Division Molecular Microbiology, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Klára Obrová, ; Thomas Lion,
| | - Eva Vaňková
- Department of Physics and Measurements, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Sláma
- Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Hodek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Khun
- Department of Physics and Measurements, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Ulrychová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Charles University, Faculty of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Filomena Nogueira
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Division Molecular Microbiology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Triin Laos
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Division Molecular Microbiology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabella Sponseiler
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Division Molecular Microbiology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Kašparová
- Department of Physics and Measurements, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Machková
- Department of Physics and Measurements, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Weber
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Scholtz
- Department of Physics and Measurements, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Thomas Lion
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Division Molecular Microbiology, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Klára Obrová, ; Thomas Lion,
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Monzamodeth RS, Román-Roldán NI, Hernández-Morales B, Puente I, Flores O, Castillo F, Campillo B. The feasibility of masks and face shields designed by 3D printing makers; some considerations of their use against the COVID-19. MATERIALS TODAY. PROCEEDINGS 2022; 59:756-763. [PMID: 35004186 PMCID: PMC8722435 DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2021.12.503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The use of mask and face shield has been established as one of the main preventive measures for the control of COVID 19 spread. In Mexico, as well as in other regions of the world, 3D printing has been employed for the design and production of masks and face shields as personal protective equipment (PPE). These models have been fabricated mainly by the makers, industries, and university communities; therefore, it is necessary to analyze the feasibility of the 3D printed PPE to understand its advantages and limitations. In this work, some characteristics of masks and face shields fabricated by additive manufacturing were studied to explore their viability as protection against flow fluids similar to human sneeze. In the present paper, the PPE was designed, and 3D printed utilizing three types of polylactic acid (PLA) as base material. The morphology and the surface elemental analyses of sectioned samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersion x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Showing spacing between printed layers, porous areas, and dispersed copper particles. On the other hand, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was carried out, the results demonstrated the importance of using PPE for protection of a possible exposure to a “contaminated” aerosol and human sneeze. Based on the abovementioned results, it is possible to consider the commercial PLA as suitable material for the manufacturing of PPE due to its capability to be disinfected employing isopropanol, ethanol, or commercial disinfectants.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Monzamodeth
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CP 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CP 62210 Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico
| | - N I Román-Roldán
- Instituto de Energías Renovables, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CP 62580 Temixco Morelos, Mexico
| | - B Hernández-Morales
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CP 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - I Puente
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CP 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - O Flores
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CP 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CP 62210 Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico
| | - F Castillo
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CP 62210 Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico
| | - B Campillo
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CP 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CP 62210 Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico
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11
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Deng W, Sun Y, Yao X, Subramanian K, Ling C, Wang H, Chopra SS, Xu BB, Wang J, Chen J, Wang D, Amancio H, Pramana S, Ye R, Wang S. Masks for COVID-19. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2102189. [PMID: 34825783 PMCID: PMC8787406 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202102189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable solutions on fabricating and using a face mask to block the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread during this coronavirus pandemic of 2019 (COVID-19) are required as society is directed by the World Health Organization (WHO) toward wearing it, resulting in an increasingly huge demand with over 4 000 000 000 masks used per day globally. Herein, various new mask technologies and advanced materials are reviewed to deal with critical shortages, cross-infection, and secondary transmission risk of masks. A number of countries have used cloth masks and 3D-printed masks as substitutes, whose filtration efficiencies can be improved by using nanofibers or mixing other polymers into them. Since 2020, researchers continue to improve the performance of masks by adding various functionalities, for example using metal nanoparticles and herbal extracts to inactivate pathogens, using graphene to make masks photothermal and superhydrophobic, and using triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) to prolong mask lifetime. The recent advances in material technology have led to the development of antimicrobial coatings, which are introduced in this review. When incorporated into masks, these advanced materials and technologies can aid in the prevention of secondary transmission of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Deng
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringCity University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Yajun Sun
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringCity University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Xiaoxue Yao
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringCity University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Karpagam Subramanian
- School of Energy and EnvironmentCity University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Chen Ling
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringCity University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Hongbo Wang
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringCity University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Shauhrat S. Chopra
- School of Energy and EnvironmentCity University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Ben Bin Xu
- Department of Mechanical and Construction EngineeringNorthumbria UniversityNewcastle upon TyneNE1 8STUK
| | - Jie‐Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Inorganic CompositesBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijing100029China
| | - Jian‐Feng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Inorganic CompositesBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijing100029China
| | - Dan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Inorganic CompositesBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijing100029China
| | - Honeyfer Amancio
- Department of Chemical Engineering and BiotechnologyCambridge UniversityCambridgeCB2 1TNUK
| | - Stevin Pramana
- School of EngineeringNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneNE1 7RUUK
| | - Ruquan Ye
- Department of ChemistryCity University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Steven Wang
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringCity University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
- School of Energy and EnvironmentCity University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
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12
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Popescu D, Baciu F, Amza CG, Cotrut CM, Marinescu R. The Effect of Disinfectants Absorption and Medical Decontamination on the Mechanical Performance of 3D-Printed ABS Parts. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:4249. [PMID: 34883752 PMCID: PMC8659898 DOI: 10.3390/polym13234249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Producing parts by 3D printing based on the material extrusion process determines the formation of air gaps within layers even at full infill density, while external pores can appear between adjacent layers making prints permeable. For the 3D-printed medical devices, this open porosity leads to the infiltration of disinfectant solutions and body fluids, which might pose safety issues. In this context, this research purpose is threefold. It investigates which 3D printing parameter settings are able to block or reduce permeation, and it experimentally analyzes if the disinfectants and the medical decontamination procedure degrade the mechanical properties of 3D-printed parts. Then, it studies acetone surface treatment as a solution to avoid disinfectants infiltration. The absorption tests results indicate the necessity of applying post-processing operations for the reusable 3D-printed medical devices as no manufacturing settings can ensure enough protection against fluid intake. However, some parameter settings were proven to enhance the sealing, in this sense the layer thickness being the most important factor. The experimental outcomes also show a decrease in the mechanical performance of 3D-printed ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) instruments treated by acetone cold vapors and then medical decontaminated (disinfected, cleaned, and sterilized by hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization) in comparison to the control prints. These results should be acknowledged when designing and 3D printing medical instruments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Popescu
- Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Robotics, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (D.P.); (C.G.A.)
| | - Florin Baciu
- Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Robotics, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (D.P.); (C.G.A.)
| | - Catalin Gheorghe Amza
- Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Robotics, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (D.P.); (C.G.A.)
| | - Cosmin Mihai Cotrut
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Rodica Marinescu
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Medicine and Pharmacology Carol Davila, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
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13
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Haddad MB, De-la-Torre GE, Abelouah MR, Hajji S, Alla AA. Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution associated with the COVID-19 pandemic along the coastline of Agadir, Morocco. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 798:149282. [PMID: 34332387 PMCID: PMC8313889 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The increasing use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as a sanitary measure against the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has become a significant source of many environmental risks. The majority of the governments enforce the use of PPE in public areas, such as beaches. Thus, the use and disposal of PPE have compromised most solid waste management strategies, ultimately leading to the occurrence of PPE polluting the marine environment. The present study aimed to monitor the PPE pollution associated with COVID-19 along the coastline of Agadir, Morocco. In parallel, the influence of the activities carried out in each sampled beach before and after the lockdown break was reported. Overall, a total number of 689 PPE items were identified, with a mean density of 1.13 × 10-5 PPE m-2 (0-1.21 × 10-4 PPE m-2). The majority of the PPE items found were face masks (96.81%), out of which 98.4% were surgical masks and 1.6% were reusable cloth masks. The most polluted sites were the beaches with recreational activities, followed by surfing, and fishing as the main activity. Importantly, PPE density increased significantly after lockdown measures. Additionally, the discarded PPE sampled in the supralittoral zone was higher than PPE recorded in the intertidal zone. This confirms that PPE items are driven by the beachgoers during their visit. PPE items are a source of microplastic and chemical pollutants, a substrate to invasive species colonization, and a potential threat of entanglement, ingestion, and/or infection among apex predators. In the specific case of Agadir beaches, significant efforts are required to work on the lack of environmental awareness and education. It is recommended to improve beach cleaning strategies and to penalize incorrect PPE disposal. Additional alternatives may be adopted, as the involvement of biodegradable materials in PPE manufacturing, recycling through pyrolysis, and encouraging reusable and washable masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ben Haddad
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
| | | | - Mohamed Rida Abelouah
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
| | - Sara Hajji
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
| | - Aicha Ait Alla
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
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14
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Cintron Pregosin N, Bronstein R, Mallipattu SK. Recent Advances in Kidney Bioengineering. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:743301. [PMID: 34900859 PMCID: PMC8655860 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.743301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Kidney disease is an epidemic that affects more than 600 million people worldwide. The socioeconomic impacts of the disease disproportionately affect Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black Americans, making the disease an issue of social inequality. The urgency of this situation has only become worse during the COVID-19 pandemic, as those who are hospitalized for COVID-19 have an increased risk of kidney failure. For researchers, the kidney is a complex organ that is difficult to accurately model and understand. Traditional cell culture models are not adequate for studying the functional intricacies of the kidney, but recent experiments have offered improvements for understanding these systems. Recent progress includes organoid modeling, 3D bioprinting, decellularization, and microfluidics. Here, we offer a review of the most recent advances in kidney bioengineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Cintron Pregosin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Robert Bronstein
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Sandeep K. Mallipattu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
- Renal Section, Northport VA Medical Center, Northport, NY, United States
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15
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Mandala R, Bannoth AP, Akella S, Rangari VK, Kodali D. A short review on fused deposition modeling
3D
printing of bio‐based polymer nanocomposites. J Appl Polym Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/app.51904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Mandala
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Vignan Institute of Technology & Science Deshmukhi Hyderabad India
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad India
| | - Anjaneya Prasad Bannoth
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad India
| | - Suresh Akella
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Sreyas Institute of Engineering and Technology Hyderabad India
| | - Vijaya K. Rangari
- Department of Materials Science Engineering Tuskegee University Tuskegee USA
| | - Deepa Kodali
- Department of Materials Science Engineering Tuskegee University Tuskegee USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Christian Brothers University Memphis USA
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16
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Face mask waste generation and management during the COVID-19 pandemic: An overview and the Peruvian case. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 786. [PMCID: PMC8105123 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has driven massive consumption of personal protective equipment (PPE) worldwide. Single-use face masks are one of the most used PPE to prevent the transmission of the virus. However, mismanagement of such materials threatens the environment with a new form of plastic pollution. Researchers argue that it is necessary to develop and implement innovative ways to manage and recycle PPE in order to reduce their impacts on the environment. In the present work, we have reviewed and discussed the recent development of sustainable face mask alternatives and recycling and repurposing routes under the COVID-19 pandemic context. Moreover, we have conducted estimations of the daily face mask waste generation in Peru, a developing country struggling with a poor solid waste management framework and infrastructure. Unlike previous studies, our equation incorporates the “economically active population” variable in order to provide more precise estimations, while evaluating single-use and reusable scenarios. The scenarios of incorporating reusable face masks significantly reduced the amount of solid waste generated in Peru. In situ evidence shows that face masks are polluting the streets and beaches of Peru, probably driven by mismanagement and poor environmental awareness.
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17
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Studders C, Fraser I, Giles JW, Willerth SM. Evaluation of 3D-printer settings for producing personal protective equipment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 5. [PMID: 34460874 PMCID: PMC8384239 DOI: 10.2217/3dp-2021-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Aim: COVID-19 resulted in a shortage of personal protective equipment. Community members united to 3D-print face shield headbands to support local healthcare workers. This study examined factors altering print time and strength. Materials & methods: Combinations of infill density (50%, 100%), shell thickness (0.8, 1.2 mm), line width (0.2 mm, 0.4 mm), and layer height (0.1 mm, 0.2 mm) were evaluated through tensile testing, finite element analysis, and printing time. Results: Strength increased with increased infill (p < 0.001) and shell thickness (p < 0.001). Layer height had no effect on strength. Increasing line width increased strength (p < 0.001). Discussion: Increasing layer height and line width decreased print time by 50 and 39%, respectively. Increased shell thickness did not alter print time. These changes are recommended for printing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carson Studders
- University of Victoria Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Biomedical Research, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Ian Fraser
- University of Victoria Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Biomedical Research, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Joshua W Giles
- University of Victoria Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Biomedical Research, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Stephanie M Willerth
- University of Victoria Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Biomedical Research, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
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18
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Rakib MRJ, De-la-Torre GE, Pizarro-Ortega CI, Dioses-Salinas DC, Al-Nahian S. Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution driven by the COVID-19 pandemic in Cox's Bazar, the longest natural beach in the world. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112497. [PMID: 34022562 PMCID: PMC9751443 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The extensive use of personal protective equipment (PPE) driven by the COVID-19 pandemic has become an important contributor to marine plastic pollution. However, there are very few studies quantifying and characterizing this type of pollution in coastal areas. In the present study, we monitored the occurrence of PPE (face masks, bouffant caps, and gloves) discarded in 13 sites along Cox's Bazar beach, the longest naturally occurring beach in the world. The vast majority of the items were face masks (97.9%), and the mean PPE density across sites was 6.29 × 10-3 PPE m-2. The presence of illegal dumping sites was the main source of PPE, which was mainly located on touristic/recreational beaches. Fishing activity contributed to PPE pollution at a lower level. Poor solid waste management practices in Cox's Bazar demonstrated to be a major driver of PPE pollution. The potential solutions and sustainable alternatives were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh.
| | | | | | | | - Sultan Al-Nahian
- Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute, Ramu, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
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19
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Protection, disinfection, and immunization for healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic: Role of natural and synthetic macromolecules. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 776. [PMCID: PMC7895681 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The world is trying to improve public health while the outbreak of the COVID-19 is at its worst. So far, countless people have died from the COVID-19 disease and it is still a serious threat to human health. Synthetic and natural polymers are unavoidable materials in the healthcare sector. During the COVID-19 outbreak, diverse medical equipment and devices were designed and developed by using these macromolecules for the protection, disinfection, and immunization applications. Synthetic polymers such as polypropylene, polystyrene, poly(lactic acid), poly(ethylene terephthalate), and so forth have been successfully applied for the design and fabrication of diverse face masks, shields, anti-viral coatings, as well as diagnostic kits. Natural polymers having great features such as biodegradability and environmentally friendly are made from algae, plants, and animals. These polymers including sodium alginate, chitosan, cellulose, and gums have been shown a critical role in the fabrication of personal protective equipment, immunosensors, and anti-viral spray for control and fight against COVID-19. Besides, the problem of plastic waste can be solved by replacing them with natural polymers. This mini-review aims to show the application of polymer-based materials during the COVID-19 epidemic.
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20
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Ogbuoji EA, Zaky AM, Escobar IC. Advanced Research and Development of Face Masks and Respirators Pre and Post the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Critical Review. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:1998. [PMID: 34207184 PMCID: PMC8235328 DOI: 10.3390/polym13121998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, has accelerated the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) masks as one of the methods to reduce and/or eliminate transmission of the coronavirus across communities. Despite the availability of different coronavirus vaccines, it is still recommended by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and local authorities to apply public safety measures including maintaining social distancing and wearing face masks. This includes individuals who have been fully vaccinated. Remarkable increase in scientific studies, along with manufacturing-related research and development investigations, have been performed in an attempt to provide better PPE solutions during the pandemic. Recent literature has estimated the filtration efficiency (FE) of face masks and respirators shedding the light on specific targeted parameters that investigators can measure, detect, evaluate, and provide reliable data with consistent results. This review showed the variability in testing protocols and FE evaluation methods of different face mask materials and/or brands. In addition to the safety requirements needed to perform aerosol viral filtration tests, one of the main challenges researchers currently face is the inability to simulate or mimic true aerosol filtration scenarios via laboratory experiments, field tests, and in vitro/in vivo investigations. Moreover, the FE through the mask can be influenced by different filtration mechanisms, environmental parameters, filtration material properties, number of layers used, packing density, fiber charge density, fiber diameter, aerosol type and particle size, aerosol face velocity and concentration loadings, and infectious concentrations generated due to different human activities. These parameters are not fully understood and constrain the design, production, efficacy, and efficiency of face masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebuka A. Ogbuoji
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA;
| | - Amr M. Zaky
- BioMicrobics Inc., 16002 West 110th Street, Lenexa, KS 66219, USA;
| | - Isabel C. Escobar
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA;
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