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Researchers at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) have worked with the Swiss company Osmotex to develop a reusable mask that renders viruses harmless at the push of a button. The ZHAW announced this on Tuesday.
Disposable masks should be changed after each use, cloth masks should be washed. Researchers led by ZHAW chemist Chahan Yeretzian are now coming up with a more convenient alternative.
A mask like a sandwich
The structure of the new mask resembles a sandwich: there is an insulating membrane between a layer of conductive textiles. And an electrical voltage of a few volts is applied through a rechargeable battery. The highlight: if the formed reactive oxygen molecules come into contact with viruses, they are directly destroyed within a few minutes.
In addition to electrochemical inactivation of viruses, the mask also has a filter effect and a coating that passively kills germs, as Yeretzian explained to Keystone-SDA.
The mask should cost around 25 francs.
Tests with viruses called MS2 bacteriophages showed that electrochemical tissues have an antiviral effect of more than 99 percent. MS2 bacteriophages are much more resistant than coronaviruses, the chemist said. Therefore, it is assumed that the mask can also destroy Sars-CoV-2. The product, which should cost around 25 francs, should be ready for the market in spring.
The mask is certified for the filter effect, corresponding, for example, to that of the now ubiquitous light blue mouth and nose protection. Because, according to Yeretzian, there are no certificates for antiviral textiles yet, he and his team are now developing a standardized testing procedure as part of the Innosuisse-funded project that allows a seal of approval for the safety and efficiency of such materials.
The researchers also plan to expand their technology to other applications. They think of seat covers in public transportation, door handles or wallets that can disinfect coins. (cat / SDA)
