Electrospun nonwoven fabric of poly(ε-caprolactone)/n-phosphonium chitosan for antiviral applications: Fabrication, characterization, and potential efficacy

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules Vol. 278; no. Pt 3; p. 134861
• Main Authors: de Moura Junior, Celso Fidelis, Ochi, Deise, Calais, Guilherme Bedeschi, Rocha Neto, João B.M., d'Ávila, Marcos Akira, Beppu, Marisa Masumi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.10.2024
• Subjects: Biodegradable; Electrospinning; Face masks; Quaternized chitosan; Sustainable polymers; Virucidal; Electrospinning; Face masks; Virucidal; Sustainable polymers; Biodegradable; Quaternized chitosan
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134861

This work reports the virucidal properties of nonwoven fibers developed via electrospinning with polycaprolactone (PCL) and chitosan quaternized with phosphonium salt (NPCS), emphasizing the influence of NPCS concentration on the structure of fibers and their performance against the MHV-3 coronavirus. The addition of NPCS enhances solutions conductivity and viscosity, leading to fibers containing a finer porous structure with a more hydrophilic and smoother surface, thereby making them a potent barrier against respiratory particles, which is a key factor for protective face masks. In terms of degradation, NPCS paced-up the process, suggesting potential environmental benefits. PCL/NPCS (90/10) fibers exhibit a 99 % coronavirus inhibition within a five-minute exposure without cellular toxicity, while also meeting breathability standards for medical masks. These findings suggest the use of NPCS as a promising strategy to design materials with remarkable virucidal performance and physical characteristics that reinforce their use in the field of biomaterials engineering.