Microbiological Evaluation of N95-Photocatalyst Antimicrobial Mask in A Hospital

Objectives To determine whether antimicrobial treatment of N95 masks could reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms during their usage.

Methods After laboratory testing the antimicrobial properties of the surface materials of photocatalyst masks, the medical staff in a respiratory ward were wearing ordinary N95 masks or N95-photocatalyst antimicrobial masks for 3 days, respectively. The total counts of bacteria and fungi on the inner and outer surfaces of the masks were detected.

Results N95-photocatalyst antimicrobial mask surface non-woven fabric had good antimicrobial effect on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The total counts of bacteria and fungi on the outer surface of N95-photocatalyst antimicrobial mask were significantly less than that of ordinary N95 mask (P=0.031).

Conclusions It is suggested that the application of N95-photocatalyst antimicrobial masks in medical system can reduce the number of microorganisms on masks.