Method for manufacturing antibacterial and antiviral composite fiber comprising copper-based nanoneedles and use thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a polyurethane (PU) fiber filter and patch with maximized antibacterial and antiviral effects, and a method for manufacturing same. The present invention relates to a polymer fiber which is obtained by depositing copper on PU nanofibers and forming nanoneedles consisting of copper oxide thereon, thereby exhibiting maximized antibacterial and antiviral effects due to physical damage to bacteria and viruses along with action by copper ions, and the purpose of the present invention is to manufacture articles using the polymer fiber together with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers, the articles being usable in medical and industrial applications and having antibacterial and antiviral functions, such as filters, masks, gloves, and patches.

Description

Method for manufacturing antibacterial and antiviral composite fibers containing copper-based nanoneedles and uses thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to a polyurethane (PU) fiber filter and patch with maximized antibacterial and antiviral effects, and a method for manufacturing the same. Specifically, the invention involves depositing copper onto PU fibers produced by electrospinning and growing nanoneedles composed of copper oxide to maximize antibacterial and antiviral effects through the action of copper ions and physical damage to bacteria and viruses. The purpose of the invention is to manufacture medical and industrially applicable products with antibacterial and antiviral functions, such as filters, masks, gloves, and patches, using this polymer fiber.

[0002]

[0003] Since the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in personal hygiene has increased rapidly, leading to a rise in demand for antibacterial and antiviral products and active product development. Furthermore, there is a continuing trend of high-risk health conditions, such as post-COVID-19 variants and highly contagious viruses. Consequently, personal hygiene remains a critical reality, and the demand for products that can be applied directly to the skin is increasing.

[0004] Accordingly, the inventors intended to apply the present invention to a product by developing a polymer fiber that maximizes antibacterial and antiviral effects caused by physical damage to bacteria and viruses along with the action of copper ions by depositing copper on PU fibers produced through electrospinning and growing nanoneedles composed of copper oxide.

[0005] Here, nanoneedles are conical or tubular needles in the nanometer (nm) size range, which are very small needles. They are designed to be used for applying drugs to a patient or the affected area, for replacing cell nuclei in the field of biomedical research, or for various biological experiments. In particular, the present invention utilizes nanoneedles made of copper. In the present invention, copper exists as copper ions in the form of copper oxide, and copper oxide is known to possess antibacterial activity. Therefore, the filters and patches of the present invention were fabricated using nanoneedles made of copper oxide that act physically and chemically on bacteria or viruses to possess antibacterial and antiviral functions.

[0006] In addition, the present invention aims to produce a filter and a patch by combining polyurethane and polyvinyl alcohol together with the copper-nanoneed needles.

[0007] The polyurethane used in this invention is a polyurethane with antibacterial properties, utilizing polyurethane fibers rather than general polyurethane foam. The most significant characteristics of polyurethane fibers are their lightness, flexibility, excellent durability, and superior moisture permeability and breathability. Consequently, due to these properties, polyurethane is highly versatile and diverse. It is widely used primarily in the automotive, architecture and construction, and furniture and interior industries, while other applications include the sports equipment and apparel industries. Furthermore, its excellent moisture permeability and breathability are utilized to manufacture various medical devices; specifically, it is used to produce medical items requiring both flexibility and durability, such as surgical gloves, blood packs, and heart valves.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention incorporates polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Polyvinyl alcohol is a water-soluble polymer with excellent properties such as film formation, emulsion, and adhesion, and it is a synthetic polymer produced by processing cellulose, a natural polymer. It possesses excellent water solubility, including the ability to absorb water and self-bind with water. It is utilized in industries such as textiles, paper, food, construction, and cosmetics, and is manufactured and used in various ways by leveraging its excellent water solubility and adhesive properties. In particular, regarding pharmaceutical compatibility, it exhibits excellent compatibility with drugs and is widely used for film coatings, capsule manufacturing, pharmaceutical dispersions, and medical supplies.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention aims to produce polymer fibers and filters using polyvinyl alcohol fibers and polyurethane fibers, and furthermore, to produce materials with maximized antibacterial and antiviral effects that physically and chemically block bacteria or viruses by attaching copper nano-needles to the fibers and filters.

[0010]

[0011] Recently, as public interest in personal hygiene has increased following infectious diseases such as COVID-19, various antibacterial and antiviral filters or patches are being manufactured. However, since these devices serve to block the direct penetration of bacteria or viruses, pathogens remain attached to the filter surface, and the risk of reinfection persists. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent reinfection by eliminating pathogens. Furthermore, there is a need for antibacterial and antiviral products with diverse applications to provide antibacterial and antiviral benefits across various industrial sectors.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention is for producing hygienic, safety, and industrial materials, such as patches or filters, having antibacterial and antiviral effects using polyurethane and polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers attached with copper nanoneedles.

[0013]

[0014] In order to solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention developed a polymer fiber filter and patch with maximized antibacterial and antiviral effects by attaching polyurethane, nanofibers, polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers, and copper nanoneedles. Furthermore, the material produced in this way can be used in daily life and, moreover, applied to various products such as filters, masks, gloves, patches, and films that can be used in the medical field.

[0015] As one of the materials constituting the present invention, the copper-nanoneed material is a copper-based material, and the copper is ionized copper, which is copper oxide. Copper oxide acts on bacteria and viruses through ions to induce chemical death of bacteria and viruses, and furthermore, through the needle structure, causes direct physical damage to bacteria and viruses, thereby maximizing antibacterial and antiviral effects.

[0016] PU, which is another material constituting the present invention, is the material to which the copper-nanoneeds adhere. The PU in this invention is not a general polyurethane but a polyurethane nanofiber produced by processing polyurethane into a fiber form. It possesses the flexibility and durability characteristic of polyurethane and exhibits excellent moisture permeability and breathability, making it a material suitable for application as a filter. Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to produce a filter or a patch that can be applied directly to the skin using this material.

[0017] Polyvinyl alcohol, another material constituting the present invention, is a water-soluble substance with excellent adhesive properties that is well used as a material for medical supplies, etc. In the present invention, it is combined with PU nanofibers to serve the role of adhering to skin, gloves, etc.

[0018] Therefore, the purpose of the present invention is to produce a material composed of copper-nanoneed needles, PU, ​​and PVA, and it has been confirmed that these materials have excellent effects when produced as personal protective equipment and medical supplies.

[0019]

[0020] The present invention relates to a filter and patch combining copper nanoneedles, PU nanofibers, and PVA nanofibers to maximize antibacterial and antiviral effects, and a method for manufacturing the same. Specifically, the invention involves attaching PVA to a PU composite fiber produced via electrospinning, subsequently depositing copper, and growing nanoneedles composed of copper oxide to create a polymer fiber that maximizes antibacterial and antiviral effects through the action of copper ions and physical damage to bacteria and viruses. The purpose of the invention is to manufacture medical and industrially applicable items with antibacterial and antiviral functions, such as filters, masks, gloves, and patches, using this polymer fiber.

[0021] Therefore, the present invention can be used as medical supplies or personal protective equipment, and furthermore, since it enables the production of antibacterial and antiviral products that can be utilized in various industries, it is expected to be utilized in various fields.

[0022]

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a filter or patch produced through the method of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is an enlarged photograph of the shape of a patch that can be applied to the skin.

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the antibacterial and antiviral mechanisms of the copper-nanoneed needles of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 is an actual and enlarged photograph of the polymer fiber filter of the present invention containing copper nanoneedles, and an actual photograph of a patch using the same.

[0027] Figure 5 shows the results of confirming the structure of PVA nanofibers at low and high magnifications, respectively.

[0028] Figure 6 shows the results of the structure when only copper is deposited on PU nanofibers, and when copper-nanoneeds are additionally contained on PU nanofibers.

[0029] Figure 7 shows the results of the morphology of the formed nanoneedle according to the copper deposition thickness.

[0030] Figure 8 shows the results of bacterial colony formation when using PU nanofibers, PU composite fibers with only copper deposition, and PU composite fibers with copper-nanoneed needles deposited, respectively.

[0031] Figure 9 is a quantitative result of the results of Figure 8.

[0032] Figure 10 shows the results of viral activity when using PU nanofibers, PU composite fibers with only copper deposition, and PU composite fibers with copper-nanoneed needles deposited, respectively.

[0033] Figure 11 shows the results of changes in the shape of the virus when using PU nanofibers, PU composite fibers with only copper deposition, and PU composite fibers with copper-nanoneed needles deposited.

[0034]

[0035] The present invention relates to a composite fiber composed of polyurethane (hereinafter PU) and copper (Cu)-based materials, wherein the composite fiber has an antibacterial or antiviral function and is a composite fiber that can be used medically or industrially, such as in filters, masks, gloves, patches, and films (Fig. 1).

[0036] As an embodiment of the present invention, the composite fiber may be produced by processing PU into PU nanofibers and used.

[0037] In one embodiment of the invention, the PU fiber may be a nanofiber produced by controlling the diameter and pores.

[0038] As one embodiment of the invention, the PU nanofiber may have a fiber thickness of 50 to 200 nm, specifically 75 to 150 nm, and more specifically 100 nm. However, the thickness is not limited thereto, and the diameter and pores of the PU nanofiber can be determined and used according to the article to be manufactured.

[0039] As one embodiment of the invention, the PU nanofiber may have copper deposited thereon, and specifically, copper oxide (CuO) may be deposited thereon.

[0040] In one embodiment of the invention, the copper deposited on the PU nanofiber may be deposited on the surface of the PU nanofiber.

[0041] As one embodiment of the invention, the copper deposited on the surface of the PU nanofiber may be deposited with a thickness of 100 to 300 nm, specifically with a thickness of 150 to 250 nm, and more specifically with a thickness of 200 nm.

[0042] As one embodiment of the invention, the copper-deposited PU composite fiber may further include copper nanoneedles (Fig. 2).

[0043] In one embodiment of the invention, the copper nanoneedles may have a height of 0.1 to 5 to νm, specifically 0.5 to 3νm, and more specifically 1νm.

[0044] In one embodiment of the invention, the copper nanoneedle may have a thickness of 10 to 100 nm, specifically 30 to 70 nm, and more specifically 50 nm.

[0045] As an embodiment of the invention, the composite fiber may further comprise polyvinyl alcohol. The polyvinyl alcohol may have an average molecular weight of 30,000 to 70,000, specifically 40,000 to 60,000, and more specifically 50,000.

[0046] As one embodiment of the invention, the polyvinyl alcohol (Polyvinyl Alcohol, hereinafter PVA) may be prepared and used as a PVA nanofiber.

[0047] As one embodiment of the invention, the PVA fiber may be a nanofiber produced by controlling the diameter and pores.

[0048] As one embodiment of the invention, the PVA nanofiber may have a fiber thickness of 50 to 200 nm, specifically 75 to 150 nm, and more specifically 100 nm. However, the thickness is not limited thereto, and the diameter and pores of the PVA nanofiber can be determined and used according to the article to be manufactured.

[0049] The above PVA nanofibers are water-soluble polymers that can be used as film-forming agents, emulsions, or adhesives, and may be produced by processing cellulose, a natural polymer. In the present invention, these can be combined with PU nanofibers to be used as adhesive bands or patches, and furthermore, are intended to be used for direct application to the skin.

[0050] The method for producing copper-deposited PU composite fibers according to the present invention may include the following steps.

[0051] (a) a step of dissolving polyurethane in NN-dimethylformaldehyde and methyl ethyl ketone;

[0052] (b) a step of producing nanofibers from the polyurethane dissolved in step (a) using electrospinning;

[0053] (c) a step of forming a composite fiber by depositing copper on the surface of the polyurethane nanofiber produced in step (b) above; and

[0054] (d) A step of washing the composite fiber produced in step (c) with distilled water.

[0055] In one embodiment of the invention, in step (a), the PU may be dissolved in a solution of NN-dimethylformaldehyde and methyl ethyl ketone, and the NN-dimethylformaldehyde and methyl ethyl ketone may be a solution composed of a ratio selected from the group consisting of 1:9, 2:8, 3:7, 4:6, 5:5, 6:4, 7:3, 8:2, and 9:1, specifically a solution composed of a ratio selected from the group consisting of 6:4, 7:3, and 8:2, and more specifically a solution having a ratio of 7:3.

[0056] As one embodiment of the invention, in step (a), the PU may be dissolved in a dimethylformaldehyde and methyl ethyl ketone solution at 50 to 70°C, specifically dissolved in a solution at 55 to 65°C, and more specifically dissolved in a solution at 60°C.

[0057] In one embodiment of the invention, in step (a), the PU may be dissolved at a concentration of 1 to 20 weight %, specifically at a concentration of 5 to 15 weight %, and more specifically at a concentration of 10 weight %. These may be stirred for 24 hours to form a solution.

[0058] The PU nanofibers produced in step (b) above were manufactured using electrospinning, which is a method of producing continuous fibers with a fine diameter of tens to hundreds of nanometers by applying an electric field to a liquid polymer. In the present invention, PU was manufactured into nanofibers using such electrospinning.

[0059] As one embodiment of the invention, the PU nanofiber produced in step (b) may be produced by an electrospinning needle of 10 to 25 G, specifically by an electrospinning needle of 15 to 20 G, and more specifically by an electrospinning needle of 18 G.

[0060] As one embodiment of the invention, the PU nanofiber produced in step (b) may have a distance of 10 to 20 cm between the needle and the substrate during electrospinning, specifically 13 to 17 cm, and more specifically 15 cm.

[0061] As one embodiment of the invention, the PU nanofiber produced in step (b) may be electrospun at a voltage of 10 to 30 kV, specifically at a voltage of 15 to 25 kV, and more specifically at a voltage of 20 kV.

[0062] As one embodiment of the invention, the PU nanofiber produced in step (b) may have a solution ejection rate of 0.2 to 1 mL / h during electrospinning, specifically 0.4 to 0.8 mL / h, and more specifically 0.6 mL / h at which the solution is ejected to form the PU nanofiber.

[0063] As one embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the copper deposited on the PU nanofiber in step (c) may be 100 to 300 nm thick, specifically 150 to 250 nm thick, and more specifically 200 nm thick.

[0064] As an embodiment of the present invention, the copper in step (c) may be in the form of pellets, and may have a concentration of 3 to 7 N, specifically may have a concentration of 4 to 6 N, and more specifically may have a concentration of 5 N.

[0065] As an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include a step (e) of forming copper nanoneedles on the copper-deposited PU composite fiber of step (c).

[0066] As one embodiment of the invention, the solution required to form copper nanoneedles on the copper-deposited PU composite fiber in step (e) may be a solution composed of ammonium persulfate (hereinafter APS), sodium hydroxide (hereinafter NaOH), and distilled water to form copper nanoneedles.

[0067] In one embodiment of the invention, in step (e), copper is produced using a vacuum evaporator, and the deposition conditions of the said device are 3 x 10 -3 Up to 3 x 10 -7It may be a vacuum degree of torr, specifically 3 x 10 -4 Up to 3 x 10 -6 It may be a vacuum degree of torr, and more specifically, 3 x 10 -5 It could be a vacuum of torr.

[0068] In one embodiment of the invention, in step (e), copper is produced using a vacuum evaporator, and the deposition length of the device may be 0.1 to 4 Å / s, specifically 1 to 3 Å / s, and more specifically 2 Å / s.

[0069] In one embodiment of the invention, in step (e), copper may be deposited on the surface of PU nanofibers with a thickness of 100 to 300 nm, specifically with a thickness of 150 to 250 nm, and more specifically with a thickness of 200 nm.

[0070] In one embodiment of the invention, the APS may have a concentration of 0.3 to 0.7 M, specifically 0.4 to 0.6 M, and more specifically 0.52 M.

[0071] In one embodiment of the invention, the NaOH may have a concentration of 5 to 15 M, specifically 7 to 13 M, and more specifically 10 M.

[0072] As one embodiment of the invention, the APS, NaOH, and distilled water may be a solution composed in a ratio of 2:1:1. However, it is not limited thereto, and the ratio may be varied depending on the desired size and use of the copper nanoneedle.

[0073] As one embodiment of the invention, the method of forming the copper-nanoneeds of step (e) may involve immersing the copper-deposited PU composite fiber in the prepared mixed solution for 1 to 5 minutes, specifically for 2 to 4 minutes, and more specifically for 3 minutes.

[0074] The present invention may further include a step (f) of bonding PVA to the PU composite fiber formed with copper-nanonids of step (e).

[0075] The PVA produced in step (f) above may be made of nanofibers, and the nanofibers may be produced using electrospinning.

[0076] In one embodiment of the invention, the PVA nanofiber may be produced by preparing PVA as a solution and using electrospinning.

[0077] As one embodiment of the invention, the PVA solution may be prepared by dissolving PVA in distilled water.

[0078] As one embodiment of the invention, the distilled water may be dissolved in a solution at 55 to 65°C, specifically in a solution at 57 to 63°C, and more specifically in a solution at 60°C.

[0079] As one embodiment of the invention, the PVA included in the solution may be dissolved at a concentration of 5 to 25 weight %, specifically at a concentration of 10 to 20 weight %, and more specifically at a concentration of 15 weight %.

[0080] As one embodiment of the invention, the PVA nanofiber produced in step (f) may be produced by an electrospinning needle of 10 to 25 G, specifically by an electrospinning needle of 15 to 20 G, and more specifically by an electrospinning needle of 18 G.

[0081] As one embodiment of the invention, the PVA nanofiber produced in step (f) may have a distance of 10 to 20 cm between the needle and the substrate during electrospinning, specifically 13 to 17 cm, and more specifically 15 cm.

[0082] As one embodiment of the invention, the PVA nanofiber produced in step (f) may be electrospun at a voltage of 10 to 30 kV, specifically at a voltage of 15 to 25 kV, and more specifically at a voltage of 20 kV.

[0083] As one embodiment of the invention, the PVA nanofiber produced in step (f) may have a solution ejection rate of 0.2 to 1 mL / h during electrospinning, specifically 0.4 to 0.8 mL / h, and more specifically 0.6 mL / h at which the solution is ejected to form the PVA nanofiber.

[0084] As an embodiment of the invention, the PVA nanofibers produced in step (f) may be attached to the PU composite fibers.

[0085] The composite fiber of the present invention may have an antibacterial or antiviral function.

[0086] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composite fiber may have an antibacterial function. Specifically, it may be a group composed of bacteria such as Bacillus sp., Clostridium sp., Chlamydia sp., Vibrio sp., Corynebacterium sp., Streptococcus sp., Mycobacterium sp., Salmonella sp., and Rickettsia sp., and specifically, it may be capable of physically or chemically killing strains such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus, but is not limited thereto.

[0087] As one embodiment of the present invention, the composite fiber may suppress the bacterial growth rate by 99%.

[0088] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composite fiber may have an antiviral function. Specifically, it may be an adenovirus, herpesvirus (herpesviridae), parvovirus, reovirus, coronavirus, retrovirus, or influenza, and more specifically, it may be capable of physically or chemically killing viruses such as herpesvirus and influenza, but is not limited thereto (Fig. 3).

[0089] As an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention may be a filter having an antibacterial or antiviral function comprising a composite fiber (Fig. 4).

[0090] As an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention may be a fiber having an antibacterial or antiviral function comprising a composite fiber.

[0091] As an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention may be a patch having an antibacterial or antiviral function comprising a composite fiber.

[0092] As an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention may be a film having an antibacterial or antiviral function comprising a composite fiber.

[0093]

[0094] One or more specific examples are described in more detail below through embodiments. However, these embodiments are intended to illustrate one or more specific examples and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0095]

[0096] Example 1. Experimental Materials

[0097] The polymer used in the present invention is polyvinyl alcohol (average molecular weight 30,000 to 70,000), polyurethane, and copper pellets (5N), and the solvent is distilled water, NN-dimethylformamide, and methyl ethyl ketone.

[0098]

[0099] Example 2. PVA nanofibers

[0100] 2-1. Method for Fabricating PVA Nanofibers

[0101] PVA was dissolved in distilled water at 60°C at 15% by weight and stirred for 24 hours to produce a colorless PVA electrospinning solution. Subsequently, the prepared solution was electrospun to produce nanofibers.

[0102] Specifically, PVA nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning for 4 hours using an 18G electrospinning needle, with a distance of 15 cm between the substrate and the needle, a voltage of 20 kV, and a spinning rate of 0.6 ml / h.

[0103] 2-2. Results of PVA Nanofiber Fabrication

[0104] As a result of fabricating PVA nanofibers using the above fabrication method, nanofibers with a thickness of 100 nm were uniformly formed (Fig. 5).

[0105]

[0106]

[0107] Example 3. PU nanofiber

[0108] 3-1. Method for Fabricating PU Nanofibers

[0109] A PU electrospinning solution was prepared by dissolving 10 wt% of PU in NN-dimethylformamide and methyl ethyl ketone at a ratio of 7:3 at 60°C and stirring for 24 hours. Subsequently, the prepared solution was electrospun to produce nanofibers.

[0110] Specifically, PU nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning for 4 hours using an 18G electrospinning needle, with a distance of 15 cm between the substrate and the needle, a voltage of 20 kV, and a spinning rate of 0.6 ml / h during the spinning of the solution.

[0111]

[0112] 3-2. Production Results

[0113] As a result of producing PU nanofibers using the above method, nanofibers with a thickness of 100 nm were uniformly formed.

[0114]

[0115]

[0116] Example 4. Molding of copper nanoneedles

[0117] 4-1. Manufacturing Method

[0118] Copper was deposited to a thickness of approximately 200 nm on the surface of the fabricated PU nanofibers using a vacuum evaporator at a vacuum of 3 x 10⁻⁵ torr at a speed of approximately 2 Å / s. These served as spots for the attachment of nanoneedles, and copper nanoneedles were formed using copper ions on the corresponding sites.

[0119] Specifically, for the method of forming these copper-nanoneed needles, a mixed solution was prepared by mixing 0.52 M Ammonium Persulfate (APS), 10 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and distilled water in a ratio of 2:2:1, and copper-deposited PU nanofibers were immersed in the solution prepared as described above for 3 minutes to form copper-nanoneed needles. Afterward, the PU nanofibers with the fabricated copper-nanoneed needles attached were washed with distilled water (Fig. 6).

[0120]

[0121] 4-2. Structure of Copper-Based Nanoneedle-Containing PU Nanofibers

[0122] When copper was deposited to a thickness of 100 nm on PU nanofibers fabricated with a thickness of 100 nm and then synthesized into nanoneedles, the nanoneedles were not formed evenly and did not form smoothly. Accordingly, it was confirmed that when copper was deposited to a thickness of 200 nm on PU nanofibers, the nanoneedles were formed uniformly during nanoneedle synthesis (Fig. 7).

[0123]

[0124]

[0125] Example 5. Confirmation of antibacterial effect of copper-based nanoneedle-containing PU nanofibers

[0126] 5-1. Method to Verify Antibacterial Effect

[0127] Solutions of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus were dispensed onto PU nanofibers containing copper-based nanoneedles and cultured in a shaking incubator at 37°C for 3 hours. Subsequently, the nanofiber gastric solution was obtained. Conditions for culturing the bacteria were established using 10% agarose LB medium in 100ml petri dishes, and after the LB medium solidified, the obtained bacterial solution was plated.

[0128]

[0129] 5-2. Experimental Results

[0130] As a result of confirming the antibacterial activity of the present invention through the above method, it was found that when only PU nanofibers were used, numerous colonies of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were generated, when only copper was deposited on PU nanofibers, a smaller amount of colonies were generated compared to the medium using only PU nanofibers, and when PU nanofibers containing copper nanoneedles were used, almost no colonies of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were found (Fig. 8).

[0131] To verify this more objectively, when the average number of colonies was counted, it was confirmed that the growth rate of bacteria was suppressed by about 99% in the case of PU nanofibers containing copper nano-needles compared to the case using only PU nanofibers, and it was also confirmed that the growth rate of bacteria was suppressed more in the case of a Si substrate rather than PU nanofibers when copper nano-needles were included (Fig. 9).

[0132]

[0133] Example 6. Confirmation of antiviral effect of copper-based nanoneedle-containing PU nanofibers

[0134] 6-1. How to verify antiviral effect

[0135] Influenza virus (2 x 10⁸ pfu / ml) and herpes virus (2 x 10⁸ pfu / ml) were applied to nanofibers, respectively, and incubated at 37°C for 30 minutes. Subsequently, the viruses were collected and a plaque assay was performed. For the plaque assay, the collected virus solution was applied to cells and incubated at 37°C. During this process, when cells are infected with the virus, they die and form empty spaces, which are referred to as plaques. The assay was performed by measuring the generated plaques.

[0136]

[0137] 6-2. Experimental Results

[0138] As a result of confirming the antiviral activity of the present invention through the above method, viral proliferation occurred when only PU nanofibers were used, and in the case of PU nanofibers with only copper deposition, there was no significant change in the amount of plaque. However, in the case of PU nanofibers containing copper-nanoneed needles, it was confirmed that viral activity decreased as the amount of plaque decreased (Fig. 10).

[0139] In addition, as a result of confirming this through cryo-transmission electron microscopy, it was confirmed that not only was the activity of the virus reduced, but the shape and structure of the virus were modified by copper nanoneedle (Fig. 11).

[0140]

[0141]

[0142] The present invention has been described above with reference to its preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be embodied in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, not by the foregoing description, and all variations within the scope of the claims should be interpreted as being included in the invention.

[0143]

[0144] The present invention relates to a filter and patch combining copper nano-needles, PU nanofibers, and PVA nanofibers to maximize antibacterial and antiviral effects, and a method for manufacturing the same. The invention aims to provide polymer fibers that maximize antibacterial and antiviral effects caused by physical damage to bacteria and viruses.

[0145] Furthermore, by utilizing this, items with antibacterial and antiviral functions suitable for medical and industrial use, such as filters, masks, gloves, and patches, can be manufactured. Since these can be used as medical supplies or personal protective equipment, and furthermore, antibacterial and antiviral products applicable to various industries can be produced, their utilization in diverse fields is anticipated.

Claims

1. A composite fiber composed of polyurethane and copper (Cu)-based materials; The above composite fiber is a composite fiber that is for antibacterial or antiviral use.

2. In Claim 1, The above composite fiber is a composite fiber that further comprises copper nanoneedles.

3. In Claim 1, The above composite fiber is a composite fiber that further comprises polyvinyl alcohol.

4. A method for producing the composite fiber of Claim 1; (a) a step of dissolving polyurethane in NN-dimethylformaldehyde and methyl ethyl ketone; (b) a step of producing nanofibers from the polyurethane dissolved in step (a) using electrospinning; (c) a step of forming a composite fiber by depositing copper on the surface of the polyurethane nanofiber produced in step (b) above; and (d) A method for manufacturing, comprising the step of washing the composite fiber produced in step (c) with distilled water.

5. In Claim 4, A method for producing a composite fiber, further comprising the step (e) of forming copper nanoneedles on the composite fiber produced in step (d) above.

6. In Claim 5, A method for producing composite fibers, further comprising the step (f) of combining polyvinyl alcohol with the composite fiber produced in step (e) above.

7. An antibacterial or antiviral filter comprising the composite fiber of any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. An antibacterial or antiviral patch comprising a composite fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. An antibacterial or antiviral film comprising the composite fiber of any one of claims 1 to 3.

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