Development of cold plasma devices for sterilization processes, incorporation of nanoparticles and repellent substances in textile substrates

Abstract

In this proposal, the proof of concept of the functionality of compact systems for the treatment of textile substrates assisted by plasma will be carried out to enable sterilization processes and incorporation of nanostructures that enhance the technical functionality of insect/parasite repellency and asepsis in textile substrates. Plasma devices will be developed and based on the use of hybrid corona discharge and dielectric barrier. These systems will be adapted for sterilization processes using reactive and inert gases (air, oxygen, water vapor) and polymerization processes using liquid precursors based on permethrin and icaridin, and other pyrethroids (cypermethrin and deltamethrin) are also tested. The concentration of active agents (silver nanoparticles) incorporated in 3D and/or electrophilic tissues of Polycaprolactone (PCL) and Lactic Polyacid (PLLA) - which have applications in Regenerative Medicine and First-Aid will also be evaluated.Plasma systems will be characterized by assessing the effects of variation in discharge power, frequency, the waveform of the input signal at the power supply, nature of the gas flow, and precursors on the physical-chemical properties of the treated surfaces. Depending on these parameters, surfaces treated with plasma will be evaluated for wettability (hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity), removal of contamination, and repellency actions against insects/parasites with slow and controlled aging (washing tests).The morphology and roughness of the treated surfaces will be evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The chemical composition and insertion of functional groups on textile surfaces will be evaluated by FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy), Raman, XPS (X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy), and DRX. Vector repellency and sterilization (decontamination) are assessed by gas chromatography and in vitro and in vivo assays.The Global Equipment and Personal Protection Market are approximately $ 50 billion (for PPE for hospitals and respiratory protection is $ 7.83 billion): the Cold Plasma Equipment Market is $ 1.6 billion. The potential for innovation in the PPE market is perceived by the sterilization or additives of compounds with low cost in the use of energy, water, and chemical products.Annually, diseases are transmitted by mosquito bites to 700,000,000 people in the world: 1 million people die annually from the diseases thus contracted, in addition to the consequences for the survivors that burden Public Health. In the market for textiles with mosquito repellents, it is USD 359.04 million (2018 data). Chagas disease (with 6 million people infected worldwide) is also a cause for concern.The 3D Bioprinting Market for regenerative tissues is on the order of USD 651.6 million (2018) and could reach USD 1.64 billion (2024). The market for surgical wires modified or not with nanoparticles is USD 3.9 billion (June 2020): in the period 2021-2027, it may reach values between 3.9 - 5.1 billion dollars. (AU)