Silver nanoparticle-modified melt-blown polypropylene: Antibacterial and antifungal properties and antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2.

Melt-blown polymer fiber materials are frequently used in the face mask manufacturing. In the present work, a melt-blown polypropylene tape was modified by silver nanoparticles using chemical metallization. The silver coatings on the fiber surface consisted of crystallites 4-14 nm in size. For the first time, these materials were comprehensively tested for antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity. The silver-modified materials showed antibacterial and antifungal activities, especially at high concentrations of silver, and were found to be efficient against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The silver-modified fiber tape can be used in the face mask manufacturing and as an antimicrobial and antiviral component in filters of liquid and gaseous media.