Indian scientists from ARCI, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, in association with the Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), and Resil Chemicals industry, a Bangalore based company, have developed a self-disinfecting ‘Copper-based Nanoparticle-coated Antiviral Face Mask’ to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The mask shows high performance against the COVID 19 virus as well as several other viral and bacterial infections, is biodegradable (the materials which get decomposed through natural processes like action of bacteria), highly breathable, and washable.
Why was this mask needed?
Generally, Covid-19 is a virus whose mode of transmission is air via respiratory particles that are mainly airborne. So, public mask wearing is the most effective method to reduce the spread of this pandemic caused by SARS- CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2).
But, the Indian market is selling expensive masks that neither exhibit antiviral nor antibacterial properties. So, it is very difficult to control the transmission by wearing the conventional mask, particularly in densely populated places like hospitals, airports, stations, shopping malls, and other places where the risk is very high.
At present, where mutations in coronavirus causing the COVID-19 pandemic are fast emerging, it is an urgent necessity to develop a low-cost antiviral mask.
In addition to this, a huge concern is expressed around the globe regarding the disposal of used masks. Most of the ordinary masks effective against COVID-19 are for single-use and are not bio-degradable, creating serious environmental concerns and waste-management issues.
How is this mask special?
For fulfilling this purpose, the scientists have developed the self-disinfecting ‘Copper-based Nanoparticle-coated Antiviral Face Masks’.
ARCI (International Advanced Research centre for Powder Metallurgy and New material) developed copper-based nanoparticles of around 20 nanometres (a unit of length) by a Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP) processing facility.
FSP process includes conversion of solution precursors (derived from an available source) into nano powders by high temperature pyrolytic decomposition. Stable nanoparticle suspensions were obtained by optimizing the solid loading and pH (a measure of how acidic/ basic the water is).
Their industrial partner Resil Chemicals Bengaluru is now producing such double layer masks on large scale.
The new antiviral mask which is made from cotton fabric that is biodegradable, is also highly breathable and washable.