Innovative garlic (gllium sativum l.) oil extract on the inner paper of the PM2.5 filter in decontamination of airborne microbial pollutants stepping through the COVID-19 situation

Abstract

Garlic is an ancient food and medicinal plant that has been used for centuries. The research team was interested in creating a garlic oil extract that could help reduce microbial contamination in the air during the prolonged period of the COVID-19 situation. A prototype sugarcane leaf paper filter was treated with garlic oil extract to improve its air purification properties and to reduce the number of microorganisms. This study investigated garlic oil extracts that were produced by a garlic fermentation process with isolated lactic acid bacteria. The oil was then extracted using steam distillation or maceration with 80% ethyl alcohol. Both these methods demonstrated that they were effective in inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms contaminating isolated from air (Fungi: Penicillium sp., Aspergillus spp. and Rhizopus sp. and Bacteria: E. coil, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus sp.) by Agar Diffusion method. It was found that the garlic oil extract distilled from steam was the best choice for further development as a coating for filter paper. Garlic oil extract can be stored at room temperature for at least 15 days after being coated on filter papers. After that, the filters with garlic extract-coated filters, made by sewing together four folded filter papers, could remove the dust of 2.5 sizes as well as HEPA filters, but had a disadvantage in filtering dust that was at least 10 PPM. This paper filter prototype was environmentally friendly because it could decompose on the ground within 12-15 days and reduce the spread of infection problems. From overall, the prototype of the garlic oil extraction process can be developed at a commercial industrial level to produce large quantities of garlic extract with desired quality, tracking features. It helps reducing environmental problems in a sustainable way; reducing waste, conserving energy, and using environmentally friendly materials.