State-of-the-Art and Projected Developments of Nanofiber Filter Material for Face Mask Against COVID-19

Background: The Covid-19 epidemic was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. It is difficult to foresee the future length and severity; it may extend to weeks, months, or even years to deplete the energy and resources of the health care facilities and the providers as there is marginal to no pharmacological medication available to treat the Covid-19. Unless an effective pharmacological treatment such as medicines and vaccines is developed and released publicly, wearing protective face masks and protecting personal health and hygiene is merely a choice to avoid the Covid-19 spread. This review summarizes the background knowledge on the Covid-19 disease and currently available face masks for highly infectious disease primary prevention. According to recent studies of Covid-19 prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, nanotechnologists have provided a revolutionary approach that involves both pharmacological and non-pharmacological steps, one of which is the use of nanofibers in facemasks and respirators. Methods: Various researches carried out in the field of nanomask and patented reports based on the application of nanomask were reviewed. Conclusion: The most recent developments of nanofibers, including research publications, patents and commercial products in Covid-19 prevention, are extensively reviewed from scientific literature and appropriately represented in this study.