November 13 According to British media reports, a scientist from Nottingham has developed an “anti-virus mask”, claiming that it is more than 90% effective in killing the new coronavirus.
According to a live news report in Nottingham, UK, Dr. Gareth Cave, a scientist and nanotechnology expert at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), developed this patented technology and designed this mask. The copper ions used in the mask come from nano-copper independently developed by the team at Nottingham Trent University. This mask is characterized by a fluid-proof outer layer to reduce the possibility of inhaling droplets carrying the new coronavirus. Copper is embedded in the mask material. Once exposed to the virus, the copper will release ions to kill the virus.
According to the report, tests have shown that this kind of “anti-virus” mask is effective and can kill more than 90% of influenza and new coronaviruses within 7 hours. The research team claims that the mask has a filtration efficiency of 99.98%, providing the highest level of protection for the wearer. At the same time, these masks passed the British anti-virus textile test.
The designer, Dr. Cave, said: “It is exciting to see our technology move forward and have a practical impact on curbing the spread of the new coronavirus.” The “anti-virus” principle of how masks kill viruses , Cave said: “Our new anti-viral mask uses existing barrier technology, combined with nanotechnology, once the virus is trapped in the mask, it can kill the virus.”
In addition to using a unique anti-virus layer to kill viruses blocked by the filter layer, Dr. Cave also explained the difference between this technology and the traditional process. He said: “The challenge with traditional surgical masks is that they can only Prevent the virus from entering or leaving the mask. But once the virus is trapped in the mask, they have no mechanism to actively kill the virus.” “By killing the virus on contact, it also means that the used mask can be safely handled and will not become passive transmission. The potential source of this,” he continued.
This mask is expected to go into production in Nottingham later this month and will be on the market in December. It is planned to be used in medical, transportation and food service fields first. Professor Nigel Wright, Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at Nottingham Trent University, said: “This is a high-quality job, and it also shows how our researchers meet the challenge and help find a solution to this global pandemic. And other good examples of real-world problems.”
