Nanotechnology-Enabled Face Masks for Improved Medical Applications Publisher



Shekaftik SO¹ ; Nasirzadeh N¹
Source: Nanoengineered Materials for Medical and Healthcare Applications Published:2025

Abstract

Masks and respirators are used often, especially in emergency situations like severe acute respiratory syndromes. Their high efficiency is very important to minimize the risk of transmission of infectious diseases. Various ways to make new masks or improve the efficiency of existing masks have been suggested. Using nanomaterials is one of these ways. So, this chapter begins with an introduction to the need for high-performance masks. Next, various methods of fabricating common fabrics used in making face masks and also the types of common masks in the healthcare sector have been reviewed. The use of nanofibers in the production of masks and their functionalization, the use of nanoporous membranes, and finally, the use of nanocoatings, are discussed in the next sections of this chapter. The rest of the chapter covers the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on accelerating the development of masks using nanomaterials is discussed. Finally, the existing concerns about the use of nanomaterials in masks are also mentioned. © 2025 Scrivener Publishing LLC.