Prevention of pathogen microorganisms at indoor air ventilation system using synthesized copper nanoparticles

Abstract

This article describes the impregnation of copper nanoparticles (CuNP) in a polyester fibre filter that can be used in solid–gas filtration to retain the spread of pathogen microorganisms in indoor environments. The impregnation of the CuNP was achieved by spraying the suspension on the surface of filter media. An acid pretreatment was also evaluated to increase the adhesion between fibre and nanoparticle. The synthesis of the CuNP was done by chemical reduction. The bacterial effect was measured through the contact method for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and we demonstrate that the presence of CuNP to filter media reduced up to 99.99% of gram-negative and 99.98% of gram-positive bacteria. The pretreatment with HCl was a good alternative to filter modification due to the higher adhesion between CuNP and the fibre while the high efficiency against pathogen microorganisms was kept. The modification of filters with CuNP can improve the air quality of indoor environments, vanishing the pathogen microorganisms circulating in the air.