Jul 26, 2022 16:00:00

A mask material that 'destroys' the new coronavirus is developed

A mask material has been developed that can capture and inactivate the virus by the action of enzymes that destroy the proteins that make up the new coronavirus. With the advent of masks that surpass the

N95 mask , which has the highest preventive effect on the market, it is expected that the spread of the virus can be significantly suppressed.

Aerosol capture and coronavirus spike protein deactivation by enzyme functionalized antiviral membranes | Communications Materials
https://doi.org/10.1038/s43246-022-00256-0

University of Kentucky researchers develop an | EurekAlert!
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/959504

New Face Mask Material Can Capture And Deactivate Coronavirus Particles
https://www.sciencealert.com/newly-designed-face-mask-can-capture-and-deactivate-coronavirus-particles

It is well known that masks are very effective as a countermeasure against viruses such as the new coronavirus. However, many masks can only capture particles containing the virus and prevent them from being inhaled, and the virus attached to the mask remains as it is, so it is inappropriate to touch the outside of the mask or handle the used mask. There is a concern that the risk of infection will increase if it is loose.

Therefore, a research team led by Professor Divaker Battalia of the University of Kentucky in the United States has applied a sponge-like microporous film of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polymethacrylic acid (PMAA) , which is also used in commercial detergents. We have developed a material with the addition of the viral enzyme subtilisin .

And when this film was tested with synthetic particles made of spiked proteins on the surface of the new coronavirus, it was possible to cut 98.9% of 100 nanometer-sized aerosol particles. This is higher than the N95 mask, which catches at least 95% of the particles.

Moreover, the spike protein attached to the new material was completely destroyed within 30 seconds of contact. Since the new coronavirus infects human cells using spike proteins, it is thought that making a mask with this new material can quickly inactivate the new coronavirus attached to the surface.

According to the research team, the manufacturing cost of masks using this new material is the same as the N95 mask. What's more, while N95 masks are disposable, new material masks can be used for several days, which also reduces the amount of used masks discharged as waste.

'This new material can filter the virus like an N95 mask and also contains an antiviral enzyme that completely inactivates the virus. This innovation is for the new corona virus. As a new layer of defense, it will help prevent the spread of the virus. '