Face masks can be sterilized using wearable, heated nanofilter
There have been many concerns about the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), especially for healthcare professionals, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Amid fears of a shortage, engineers from the University of Cincinnati (OH, USA) have developed a face mask that can be reused after sterilization with heat.
“Currently, there is a significant shortage of personal protective equipment, particularly face masks, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Statistics show that one COVID-19 patient consumes on average 17 face masks per day worn by medical personnel,” stated the principal investigators of the study, Vesselin Shanov and Soryong “Ryan” Chae, University of Cincinnati.
If they could develop a face mask that could kill the virus accumulating on the surface of a mask after use, the mask could potentially be reused without increasing risk of infection or spread of the disease.
The proposed mask would consist of a standard commercial face mask, which is then fitted with a breathable film made up of engineered carbon nanomaterials to act as a heatable filter. The filter would be powered by a battery, either a portable battery or one similar to that of a phone battery. The battery would be insulated so as to not come in contact with the wearer’s skin, meaning they could heat the filter and disinfect the mask while still wearing it. It could also be disinfected during storage.
The team of engineering and materials science researchers at the university is working to perfect the prototype, testing important factors such as breathability of the face masks so that they can still function as needed, as well as testing their efficacy for virus inactivation.
Based on preliminary data from previous projects, the researchers have been granted funding from the National Science Foundation to expedite the manufacture of such a face mask.
This technology could be invaluable in the face of a possible ‘second wave’ of infections, as well as revolutionizing wearable devices for PPE, which could help limit spread of diseases such as those caused by coronaviruses in the future.
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