ORCID Profile
0000-0003-1241-641X
Current Organisation
The Kirby Institute
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Publisher: Science Publishing Group
Date: 2013
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 21-05-2021
Publisher: International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research
Date: 05-2019
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 13-06-2017
DOI: 10.3390/POLYM9060222
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 23-08-2023
Abstract: Over 20 years ago a report commissioned by the European Commission identified air quality in schools as a public health priority. Despite this concern, little action was taken in the following two decades. Over the last two years as classrooms were increasingly recognised as hotspots for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, renewed interest and resources have been made available in response to this issue. Questions remain, however, over how best to achieve safer classroom air. Our analysis assessed a range of in situ interventions to remove particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) and carbon dioxide from inside a populated classroom. Our approach used saline spray and volunteers’ exhalations as our source of PM 2.5 and carbon dioxide to explore the ability of high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, natural ventilation and a recirculating A/C unit to remove these air pollutants which collectively provided a novel set of data. For a total window opening of 1.86 m 2 for a 181.7 m 3 classroom with a HEPA filter with a 703m 3 /hr clean air delivery rate, our results confirmed that outdoor air was needed to purge the room to reduce carbon dioxide levels that otherwise rose to ppm in 12 min. Cross and natural ventilation reduced levels of PM 2.5 and carbon dioxide very effectively—in under 5 and 10 min respectively during low levels of outside PM 2.5 . We conclude that natural ventilation supplemented with the use of HEPA filters is the most effective way to reliably improve indoor air quality year-round, balancing the need to have easy to enact approaches to reduce the buildup of PM 2.5 , airborne viruses and carbon dioxide. These results highlight an important knowledge gap. Without having localised real-time outdoor air pollution sensing, evidence-based decisions cannot be made about how often, and for how long, windows can safely remain open to purge classrooms in times of poor quality outdoor air.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-09-2020
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 09-2020
DOI: 10.1136/BMJRESP-2020-000698
Abstract: Face masks and respirators are the most widely used intervention measures for respiratory protection. In the wake of COVID-19, in response to shortages and lack of availability of surgical masks and respirators, the use of cloth masks has become a research focus. Various fabrics have been promoted with little evidence-based foundation and without guidelines on design principles for optimal performance. In these circumstances, it is essential to understand the properties, key performance factors, filter mechanisms and evidence on cloth masks materials. The general community might also need to decontaminate and reuse disposable, single-use devices as a last resort. We present an overview of the filter materials, filter mechanisms and effectiveness, key performance factors, and hydrophobicity of the common disposable masks, as well as cloth masks. We also reviewed decontamination methods for disposable respiratory devices. As an alternative to surgical masks and respirators, we recommend a cloth mask made of at least three layers (300–350 threads per inch) and adding a nylon stocking layer over the mask for a better fit. Water-resistant fabrics (polyesters/nylon), blends of fabrics and water-absorbing fabrics (cotton) should be in the outside layer, middle layer/layers and inside layer, respectively. The information outlined here will help people to navigate their choices if facing shortages of appropriate respiratory protection during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 05-08-2021
Abstract: Protection against pathogens using personal protective equipment is essential yet challenging in healthcare settings. Concerns over emerging biothreats and outbreaks of infectious diseases underscore the need for antimicrobial and biocompatible protective clothing to protect patients and staff. Herein, we report the antimicrobial efficacy and cytotoxicity of cotton/silk fabrics containing embedded reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and Ag/Cu nanoparticles (NPs), prepared using a 3-glycidyloxypropyl trimethoxy silane coupling agent followed by chemical reduction and vacuum heat treatment. Embedding NPs on top of the RGO layer substantially increased the antimicrobial activity. All RGO-Ag NPs or RGO-Cu NPs embedded in cotton or silk fabrics reduced the viability of approximately 99% of the Gram-negative bacteria
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-08-2019
Publisher: Science Publishing Group
Date: 2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-06-2022
Abstract: The unprecedented threat of COVID‐19 and the likelihood of other emerging infectious diseases have accentuated the need for sustainable and effective masks and respirators (MAR). MAR assists in minimizing the risk of infection and controlling the spread of pathogens. However, during the COVID‐19 pandemic, there was a worldwide scarcity of MAR due to unprecedented global demand. There are also notable limitations in commonly used MAR, such as low filtration efficiency, poor fit, non‐reusability, physiological impact, lack of biocompatibility and non‐biodegradability, and inability to kill pathogens. Therefore, there remains an unmet need for a comprehensive study focusing on potential materials and new technologies for MAR. Here we outline a comprehensive overview of the limitations of conventional MAR followed by required potential solutions (such as using nanofibers/graphene base filters/metal‐organic framework as filter media, laser scanning and 3D printing for fit and seal, applying antimicrobial nanomaterials coating on filter media, using reusable and biodegradable materials, developing high‐performing cloth masks, improving hydrophobicity, etc.). The information on potential materials and new technologies of MAR and research evidence outlined here can inform further research and development of high‐performing and sustainable respiratory protection technologies to improve the health and safety of the first responders and the community.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-08-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-08-2020
Publisher: OMICS Publishing Group
Date: 2017
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 27-08-2020
DOI: 10.1093/CID/CIAA1241
Abstract: Choral singing has become a major risk during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic due to high infection rates. Our visualization and velocimetry results reveal that the majority of droplets expelled during singing follow the ambient airflow pattern. These results point toward the possibility of COVID-19 spread by small airborne droplets during singing.
Publisher: AIP Publishing
Date: 11-2021
DOI: 10.1063/5.0067609
Abstract: Respiratory infections transmit through droplets and aerosols generated by the infected in idual during respiratory emissions. It is essential to study the flow dynamics of these emissions to develop strategies for mitigating the risk of infection. In particular, the dynamics of droplets expelled during violent exhalations such as sneezing is crucial, but has received little attention to date. Here, for the first time, we present the results of droplet dynamics of 35 sneezes, obtained from four volunteers, using particle tracking velocimetry experiments. Our results reveal a mean droplet velocity of 2–5.4 m/s across the different subjects. These values are significantly lower than what is usually assumed in the studies simulating or replicating sneezes. Furthermore, the large variation in droplet speeds, flow direction, spread angle, and head movement is also quantified. These findings will enable the refinement of models and simulations of sneezes toward improving infection control guidelines.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 24-07-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-07-2018
No related grants have been discovered for Shovon Bhattacharjee.