Multifunctional filter membrane for face mask using bacterial cellulose for highly efficient particulate matter removal

ABSTRACT: Particulate matter (PM) pollution and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) have brought severe threats to public health. High level of PM serves as a carrier of COVID-19 which is a global pandemic. This study fabricated filter membrane for face mask using bacterial cellulose and fingerroot extract (BC–FT) via immersion technique. The surface area, pore volume and pore size of BC were analyzed by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller. The physiochemical properties of the membrane were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometer. The crystallinity decreased from 63.7% in pure BC to 52.4% in BC–FT filter membrane. Young’s modulus increased from 1277.02 MPa in pure BC to 2251.17 MPa in BC–FT filter membrane. The filter membrane showed excellent PM 0.1 removal efficiency of 99.83% and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The fabricated membrane is excellent to prevent inhalation of PM2.5 and COVID-19 respiratory droplet. GRAPHIC ABSTRACT: [Image: see text] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10570-022-04641-3.