Textile and Apparel Science

Surface Treatment of Non-woven Polypropylene Used in Personal Protective Equipment to Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Spread

Authors: Justin Gangwish (Colorado State University) , Abhishek Bhattacharjee (Colorado State University) , Roberta Sabino (Colorado State University) , Vignesh Manivasagam (Colorado State University) , Yan Vivian Li (Colorado State University) , Ketul C Popat (Colorado State University) , Melissa Reynolds (Colorado State University) , Susan P James (Colorado State University)

Abstract

The CDC recommends healthcare personnel who work with COVID-19 patients wear personal protective equipment to protect themselves from infection. Polypropylene (PP) is commonly used to make isolation gowns and N95 masks. Recent evidence has shown that PP, provides SARS-CoV-2 viability up to 72 hours. The non-woven PP used in face masks underwent three separate treatments with the following materials: oxygen plasma, polyethylene glycol, and hyaluronic acid. The material was then evaluated for its tensile properties, breathability, cytotoxicity, and ability to adsorb SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The masks were breathable, non-cytotoxic, and adsorbed more spike protein than controls. This indicates they are potential methods to enhance masks against COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19, Materials Science

How to Cite: Gangwish, J. , Bhattacharjee, A. , Sabino, R. , Manivasagam, V. , Li, Y. V. , Popat, K. C. , Reynolds, M. & James, S. P. (2022) “Surface Treatment of Non-woven Polypropylene Used in Personal Protective Equipment to Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Spread”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings. 79(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.16022