Preparation of Biodegradable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

We are proposing the development of single-use personal protective equipment (PPE) from biodegradable polymers to meet the rising demand of PPE that is locally produced, affordable, recyclable, biodegradable, environment friendly. Biodegradable polymers are ones that break down into smaller fragments due to the action of bacteria and other microorganisms. We are going to prepare PPE such as gowns, head covers and gloves are made from a very common and prospective bio-polymer Poly lactic acid (PLA). The PLA offer a standard protection against droplet-borne and air-borne pathogens. PLA is a linear aliphatic thermoplastic polyester derived from lactic acid, which is obtained from the fermentation of 100% renewable and biodegradable plant sources, such as corn or rice starches and sugar feed stocks. Furthermore, when making into personal protective equipment, PLA will be blended with chitosan. Chitin, one of the biopolymers is a polysaccharide made up of Nacetyl-glucosamine and N-glucosamine units. When the N-acetyl-glucosamine units are more than 50%, the biopolymer is called chitin. Chitosan is a linear cationic polysaccharide obtained by deacetylation of chitin derived from crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp. Since chitosan is a non-toxic, biocompatible and cost-effective material, this polymer is mainly used for biomedical and agricultural purposes. Though chitosan have been proven to have antibacterial properties, recent studies have shown antiviral properties and have been used to combat viral diseases against plants and humans.