Polymer additives to personal protective equipment can inactivate pathogens

• Published in: bioRxiv
• Main Authors: Dogan, Alan B, Dabkowski, Katherine E, Von Recum, Horst A
• Format: Paper
• Language: English
• Published: Cold Spring Harbor Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press 02.04.2021
• Subjects: Face; Gram-negative bacteria; Liquid culture; Pathogens; Personal protective equipment; Polymers; Polypropylene; Public health
• DOI: 10.1101/2021.04.01.438151

Face masks have been proven to be medicine′s best public health tool for preventing transmission of airborne pathogens. However, in situations with continuous exposure, lower quality and do-it-yourself face masks cannot provide adequate protection against pathogens, especially when mishandled. In addition, the use of multiple face masks each day places a strain on personal protective equipment (PPE) supply and is not environmentally sustainable. Therefore, there is a significant clinical and commercial need for a reusable, pathogen-inactivating face mask. Herein, we propose adding poly(dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate), q(PDMAEMA), to existing fabric networks to generate contact-killing face masks - effectively turning cotton, polypropylene, and polyester into pathogen resistant materials. It was found that q(PDMAEMA) integrated face masks were able to inactivate both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in liquid culture and aerosolized droplets. Furthermore, q(PDMAEMA) was electrospun into homogeneous polymer fibers, which makes the polymer practical for low-cost, scaled-up production. Competing Interest Statement H.A.R is a co-founder of Affinity Therapeutics but does not receive salary. The other authors have nothing to disclose.