Killer threads

Story by Steve Sullivan | Photo by Paul Gates

Research to protect health care workers with next-generation PPE is happening at Iowa State.

Among the most haunting images from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic were the faces of nurses, bruised and raw after hours of wearing N95 masks.

Guowen Song wants to help ensure that health care workers never experience that again. Song, the Noma Scott Lloyd Chair in Textiles and Clothing and professor in apparel, events and hospitality management, is leading a multi-university research team developing next-generation personal protective equipment, or PPE, for health care workers. The project, supported with a $1.8 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, involves researchers from Iowa State, the University of California–Davis, the University of Cincinnati and the University of Iowa.

A recent study indicated that frontline health care workers were at a significantly higher risk for COVID-19 infection than the general public, even with adequate PPE. Statistics from the CDC report that health care personnel account for more than 900,000 cases of COVID-19 and 2,600 deaths. These troubling statistics, and those damaged faces, demonstrate the weaknesses in current PPE systems, Song says.

“The mask was really designed for industry, not for health care workers,” he says.

The current PPE system – the mask-and-gown combo – is not suited to the needs of health care workers because of limitations in protection and comfort, Song notes. Among the issues are insufficient capture of airborne pathogens, potential fluid penetration, poor fit and difficulty in communication.

The central goal of the four-year, CDC-funded project is developing a PPE system made from an innovative anti-contamination material. To do this, researchers will first create a polymer that can kill pathogens like the COVID-19 virus. The polymer will be made into a fiber which, in turn, is made into a smart, nonwoven textile.

The textile is the first step. The second is to design a PPE system that is more functional and comfortable, Song says. This work involves testing the design using advanced equipment in his lab that can simulate human breathing, breathing resistance, physical movement, air movement and even perspiration. He will work with Iowa State’s kinesiology department on human trials of the system.

Another key aspect is the ease of donning and doffing PPE. Health care workers often go through training to learn how to properly put on and remove PPE to avoid contamination. Song envisions a PPE system that will simply slide off when a person stretches their arms. Less contact means reduced risk of contamination.

This timely work continues Song’s focus on textiles that can provide more protection and comfort for workers. A recent project, for example, focuses on gear for firefighters and others to respond to hazardous situations and materials.

“I’ve been working in this area for a long time,” he says. “The more I do, the more interesting it is. We are facing more and more hazards, including viruses like COVID-19 and emergencies brought about by weather and climate change. The nature of PPE requires a multidisciplinary approach and a well-integrated team. We also have emerging technologies that we can use to help create materials and PPE systems that benefit workers, as well as American manufacturing.”  

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