Modelling the Viability of Microorganisms of Poly(lactic Acid) Melt-Blown Nonwoven Fabrics for the Use of Respiratory Protection

A variety of harmful microorganisms deposited in the work environment is the reason why it is becoming more and more common to use filtering respiratory protection equipment. To fulfil its protective role against biological hazards, it should not only ensure high efficiency of filtration but also present biocidal properties. Due to the fact that in laboratory studies confirming the biocidal properties of equipment it is possible to use only a limited number of testing organisms, using microbiological prognosis models seems a promising direction. The article presents a method for assessing the performance of filter materials with biocidal properties using a simple model describing the dependence of the viability of Gram - positive and Gram - negative bacteria in the biocidal structure of the material. A comparison of the results of theoretical predictions and experimental results confirmed that the model can be used as a tool for the approximate evaluation of the properties of these materials. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was used when validating the model melt-blown nonwovens for the construction of respiratory protection devices (RPD) against biological hazards.