Assessment of essential oil-loaded nanofibrous mats against the Escherichia virus MS2, a mimetic of SARS-CoV-2, for potential applications as inner layers in individual protection masks

Abstract

[Excerpt] In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was identified. Infected patients revealed symptoms of fever, cough (dry), sore throat, and fatigue, which began manifesting after 5 days of incubation. Hoping to prevent transmission, many countries adopted a mandatory mask use in closed public spaces. However, most mask options display a passive action against COVID-19. To overcome such restrictions, this work proposes the incorporation of anti-viral essential oils (EOs) loaded onto a nanofibrous layer that can be adapted to both community and commercial masks.