GAiA is a national research project (PRIN 2022), lasting 24 months. It belongs to the “Health” cluster and addresses personal protective equipment from a sustainable and innovative perspective.
What GAiA aims to achieve
What happens when you breathe
The core of the GAiA filter consists of electrospun nonwoven fabrics made of ultrafine fibres. These fibres are produced by electrostatically stretching a polymer solution jet, leading to the formation of continuous filaments that are collected as a nonwoven mat. The fibre architecture and pore-size distribution are engineered to capture airborne particles while maintaining breathing comfortable.
Bioglass particles, already used in biomedical applications, are dispersed inside the fibres. These particles contain specific elements (e.g. zinc) that can hinder the growth of bacteria and viruses. This means the filter not only traps microorganisms but also helps reduce their survival over time.
The frequently asked questions
GAiA is a research project: its goal is to develop and test new materials and prototypes. Large-scale production would require industrial partners, certification steps, and a later development phase.
The project refers to “zero waste” as a target rather than an absolute claim. GAiA filters aim to reduce difficult-to-manage plastic waste by combining greener manufacturing processes with bacteriostatic materials intended to extend service life. By limiting bacterial proliferation on used filters, these materials may also reduce the bacteriological risk associated with discarded protective equipment.
Face masks are the main case study, but the technology could also be adapted in the future to other air filtration systems, protective devices, respirators, gowns, coveralls, biological hoods, and indoor air treatment systems.
GAiA combines ultra-thin electrospun fibres with antimicrobial bioglass particles. The goal is not only to trap microorganisms, but also to reduce their survival inside the filter over time.
Bioglasses are bioactive glass materials already studied for biomedical applications. In GAiA, they are functionalised with specific ions that can provide antimicrobial effects and are embedded inside the fibrous filter structure.
The bioglass particles can release ions that interfere with the growth or survival of microorganisms. GAiA studies this effect against bacteria, including resistant strains, and also evaluates antiviral behaviour using a model virus.
Yes. Before any real-world application, the materials are evaluated in the laboratory for filtration performance, antimicrobial activity, mechanical resistance, possible release of ions or particles, and stability during storage simulations.
The project follows a green-chemistry approach by developing water-based polymer solutions, reducing the need for toxic solvents in the production of nonwoven fibrous filter materials.
GAiA applies Life Cycle Assessment, or LCA, to study the environmental footprint of materials, processes, and products, including resource use, emissions, and overall sustainability performance.
GAiA is a fully Italian research project involving the University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome and the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, combining expertise in electrospun fibres, antimicrobial materials, bioglasses, microbiology, engineering, and sustainability assessment.
