New Face Mask Material Can Capture And Deactivate Coronavirus Particles

As time goes on, scientists are learning more and more about the virus and how we can protect against it, including new and improved face masks.

A new respiratory mask developed by researchers can be used to capture and destroy spike proteins. The spike proteins allow the viruses to enter the body.

The new mask gives wearers a vital extra layer of protection when it comes to avoiding infections.

A chemical engineer from the University of Kentucky says that the new material can be used to filter out the viruses like the N95 mask does.

Another layer of protection against the disease can be achieved by this innovation.

The researchers used the spike proteins from the synthetic particles to test the membranes. It was able to destroy the spike proteins within 30 seconds of contact, while also stopping coronaviruses from getting through.

The possibility of further improvements in the future is open because of the thickness and porosity of the Membrane. The type of particles can be controlled.

The team claims that a mask using this membrane can be worn for two hours a day for several days. Less used masks need to be thrown away because masks don't have to be replaced as frequently.

The researchers wrote in their paper that the development of smart filters with low air resistance can provide immense human health and industrial workplace benefits.

The N95 mask standard, which is certified as being able to filter out 95 percent of particles, is lower in protection factor than the new mask. Three or four fiber layers are included in the N95 masks.

The N95 mask is the most used mask in the healthcare industry. The researchers were able to get to 98.9 percent with their new mask.

The researchers don't say how long it will take to get this material from the lab into masks that you can buy, but we hope it's sooner rather than later.

The use of respiratory face masks provides significant reduction of coronaviruses spread, as viral spread has been proven to occur primarily via two modes of transmission: droplet spread and inhalation of infectious airborne aerosols.

The research has appeared in a publication.