Moringa Based Nanoparticles Coated Face-mask to Manage the Patients Suffering from Respiratory Disorder

Abstract

Human exposure to various air pollutants and contagious agents mainly occurs through two ways, namely, inhalation and skin contact. COVID-19 compelled the extensive use of respiratory face-mask by public world-wide. The people suffering from respiratory disorder like asthma were claimed to face lots of complications during wearing of mask such as physical distress, dizziness, perceived shortness of air, and headache. But, masking has become a standard and as an effective barrier to curb the aerosol spreads. However, excessive use of single-use polymer-based face masks can pose a significant challenge to the environment. The aim of present work is to develop medicinal plant (Moringa) based, eco-friendly nanoparticles coated face-mask fabric to manage the complications of the person while wearing face-mask. Moringa loaded chitosan nanoparticles were developed and used in the coating of face-mask fabrics. Further, developed nanoparticles and coated fabrics characterized for various parameters. The percentage yield of the various nanoparticle formulations were found to be in the range of (31.71±2.36%–96.36±2.29%). The particle size, Zeta Potential and poly dispersity index (PI) of different formulations were in the range of (217.2±4.2nm-5712.5±12.2nm), (2.8±0.9mV-28.1±0.3mV) and (0.266±0.02mV-2.315±0.10 mV) respectively. Surface morphologyhave shown spherical, uniform and well dispersed particles as observed by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope and coated facemask has shown nanoparticles embedded in the matrix of fabric. The best optimized Moringa loaded chitosan nanoparticles (F1) coated face-mask has shown zone of inhibition about (25±1.5 mm) for antimicrobial effect against Streptococcus pneumoniae which indicates therapeutic efficacy of the respiratory face-mask.