Polylactic acid as a suitable material for 3D printing of protective masks in times of COVID-19 pandemic

• DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10259
• Publication Date: 2020-10-29T08:32:13Z
• Authors: Eva Vaňková; Petra Kašparová; Josef Khun; Anna Machková; Jaroslav Julák; Michal Sláma; Jan Hodek; Lucie Ulrychová; Jan Weber; Klára Obrová; Karin Kosulin; Thomas Lion; Vladimír Scholtz
• Keywords: Disinfectant; Polylactic Acid; Sodium hypochlorite; Personal Protective Equipment; Bleach; Human decontamination

A critical lack of personal protective equipment has occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Polylactic acid (PLA), a polyester made from renewable natural resources, can be exploited for 3D printing face masks using Fused Deposition Modelling technique. Since possible high porosity this material raised questions regarding its suitability protection against viruses, we have investigated microstructure scanning electron microscopy and aerosol generator photometer certified as test system according to standards EN 143 149. Moreover, efficiency decontaminating PLA surfaces by conventional chemical disinfectants including 96% ethanol, 70% isopropanol, commercial disinfectant containing 0.85% sodium hypochlorite been determined. We confirmed that structure is compact considered sufficient barrier particles size corresponding microorganisms viruses. Complete decontamination externally applied Staphylococcus epidermidis , Escherichia coli Candida albicans SARS-CoV-2 was achieved all tested, human adenovirus completely inactivated hypochlorite-containing disinfectant. Natural contamination worn persons decontaminated easily efficiently ethanol. No caused major changes surface properties, pore did not change despite severe mechanical damage surface. Therefore, may regarded suitable current or future pandemic crises.