Physicochemical characterization of reusable facemasks and theoretical adhesion by a challenged bacterium

Ikhlas Hani Chennoufi; Chorouk Zanane; Mehdi Ameslek; Hafida Zahir; Mostafa  EL Louali; Hassan Latrache

doi:10.18502/ijm.v15i2.12482

Ikhlas Hani Chennoufi Department of Biology, Laboratory of Industrial and Surface Engineering, Research Team of “Bioprocesses and Bio Interfaces”, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, Morocco
Chorouk Zanane Department of Biology, Laboratory of Industrial and Surface Engineering, Research Team of “Bioprocesses and Bio Interfaces”, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, Morocco
Mehdi Ameslek Department of Material Science, Dispersive Solids Group, Faculty of Materials and Geosciences, Technical University, Darmstadt, Germany
Hafida Zahir Department of Biology, Laboratory of Industrial and Surface Engineering, Research Team of “Bioprocesses and Bio Interfaces”, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, Morocco
Mostafa EL Louali Department of Biology, Laboratory of Industrial and Surface Engineering, Research Team of “Bioprocesses and Bio Interfaces”, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, Morocco
Hassan Latrache Department of Biology, Laboratory of Industrial and Surface Engineering, Research Team of “Bioprocesses and Bio Interfaces”, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, Morocco

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijm.v15i2.12482

Keywords: COVID-19; Masks; Staphylococcus aureus; Surface properties

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Adhesion of microorganisms on facemask surfaces is a major problem that produces contam- ination of the mask wearer either by inhalation or by direct contact. Generally, physicochemical properties of the material and the microorganism are responsible for this adhesion and are also reported to influence the filtration efficiency of face- masks. However, theses surface proprieties and their effect on particles attachment on facemask materials remain poorly documented. The purpose of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties of seven facemasks and evaluate the influence of these characteristics on the adhesion of Sataphylococcus aureus.

Materials and Methods: Physicochemical properties is done by contact angle method and scanning electron microscopy while theoretical adhesion of S. aureus is done according to XDLVO approach.

Results: The obtained results showed that all masks have a hydrophobic character. The electron donor and electron acceptor parameters change depending on each mask. Chemical analysis demonstrates the presence of two chemical elements (car- bon and oxygen). Predictive adhesion demonstrate that S. aureus has an attractive behavior towards the masks used but the potential of adhesion is not the same.

Conclusion: Such information is valuable to understand attachment of biological particles and to contribute in the inhibition of this attachment.