# Hyperbranched Polymer Dendrimers Embedded in Electrospun Nanofibers for Safe and Sustainable Antibacterial Filtration Materials

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new filtration material using polymer dendrimers in nanofibers that effectively kills bacteria without harmful metals or antibiotics.

## Contribution

A novel, safe, and sustainable antibacterial filtration system using cationic hyperbranched polymer dendrimers embedded in nanofibers is developed.

## Key findings

- Nanofibers with embedded dendrimers achieved over 99.8% filtration efficiency against 0.3 µm particles.
- The material reduced bacterial viability by up to 74.1% without leaching active components.
- Toxicological tests confirmed safety for skin and respiratory contact.

## Abstract

The global crisis concerning multidrug-resistant microorganisms necessitates the development of innovative antimicrobial strategies that avoid conventional antibiotics and overcome the toxicity and environmental persistence associated with traditional metal-based biocides. This work aims to develop safe and sustainable antibacterial filtration materials by integrating cationic hyperbranched polymer dendrimers (HBP) into electrospun nanofibers. Cationic HBPs were successfully embedded into recycled polyamide 6 nanofibers using industrial needleless electrospinning. Filtration efficiency, assessed against a 0.3 µm paraffin oil aerosol according to EN 149:2001, consistently exceeded 99.8%, meeting and surpassing the FFP3 classification threshold while maintaining low air resistance. The HBP-functionalized nanofibers exhibited pronounced contact-active antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Quantitative plate count assays confirmed viability reductions of up to 74.1% after 2 h of co-incubation. Crucially, the absence of inhibition zones in agar diffusion tests confirmed that the active polymer was stably embedded within the nanofiber matrix and did not leach. Comprehensive toxicological tests, including cell line and 3D human skin and airway tissue models, confirmed the material’s safety for both dermal and respiratory contact. This study presents a scalable, metal-free, and environmentally responsible next-generation filtration system that combines high mechanical efficiency with active antimicrobial functionality.