In a big breakthrough, Nottingham scientist has developed an antiviral face mask. Normal Facemask protects from different viruses via obstructing the spread from one person to another by capturing infectious saliva droplets.
But the issue with these masks is that the virus can survive on its surface if not disinfected or disposed of properly. So Nottingham Trent University scientist Dr. Gareth Cave has developed an antiviral facemask that kills viruses including COVID-19. Scientists Company, a university spin-off called Pharm2Farm, is now manufacturing these masks.
Antiviral facemask which uses nanotechnology to kill viruses
Unlike standard three-ply design, these antiviral facemasks are a five-ply surgical mask. These antiviral masks have an additional antiviral inner layer. This layer has copper embedded in it, which emits ions once in contact with a virus to kill it.
Nanotechnology has been used to kill viruses. The antiviral inner layer not only protects the wearer, but also those in proximity.
Mask kills 90% of coronavirus particles in less than an hour
This facemask is Type IIR certified, which assures the filtration efficiency of 99.98%. Not only that, but the material also kills 90% of coronavirus particles in less than an hour.
Dr. Cave said, “It’s exciting to see our technology move forward and make a real impact towards the fight against the spread of COVID-19.
The mask we’ve developed has been proven to inactivate viruses upon contact; the antiviral layer kills virus which has been blocked by the filter layers.”
He added, “Our new antiviral mask has been designed to utilise the existing barrier technology and combine it with our nanotechnology to kill the virus once it is trapped there.
We’ve added the barrier layer to both sides of the mask so not only does it protect the wearer but also those around.”
