Self-cleaning wearable masks for respiratory infectious pathogen inactivation by type I and type II AIE photosensitizer

Although face masks as personal protective equipment (PPE) are recommended to control respiratory diseases with the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, improper handling and disinfection increase the risk of cross-contamination and compromise the effectiveness of PPE. Here, we prepared a self-cleaning mask based on a highly efficient aggregation-induced emission photosensitizer (TTCP-PF6) that can destroy pathogens by generating Type I and Type II reactive oxygen species (ROS). The respiratory pathogens, including influenza A virus H1N1 strain and Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) can be inactivated within 10 min of ultra-low power (20 W/m2) white light or simulated sunlight irradiation. This TTCP-PF6-based self-cleaning strategy can also be used against other airborne pathogens, providing a strategy for dealing with different microbes.