Israeli Face Masks Can Not Only Block The Coronavirus But Also Kill It

As the Coronavirus infection is getting worse, two Israeli companies are working on a type of antiviral reusable face masks that can not only block the virus bit also kill it.

So far, more than 300 people in China alone have died of the pandemic. The Coronavirus spread via direct contact and by air. According to WHO, by December 31, there have been 4,200 cases of infection worldwide. Most of the patients are Chinese nationals with fewer from 15 other nations.

There have not been any treatment or vaccine against the virus, people should take the matter into their own hand and reinforce personal protection to avoid an infection.

Disposal face masks can work to block the virus from entering the wearer’s body as well as prevent the spread of the virus if the wearer is infected. However, as they are thrown away, the Coronavirus can multiply in the fibers.

To deal with this problem, some companies are looking into the idea of reusable masks that can both block and kill viruses.

To make this kind of face masks, a technology called ultrasonic fabric finishing was called into play. The method was invented by two chemistry professors at Bar-Ilan University. It mechanically infuses antimicrobial, antiviral copper and zinc oxide nanoparticles into facemask’s fibers and turns them into protective gear.

Sonovia, one of the two companies that are developing this mask, has recently awarded a European Commission Horizon 2020 grant and the tech has received multiple prizes in China.

Tests have proven that that textiles treated with this infusion tech can work to eliminate six types of bacteria. The effect remains after the facemask was washed up to 100 times at 75°C and 92°C.

The facemask is still at its infancy and the company has not yet commercialized it.

The company said that it now had enough treated fabric in its stock for up to 10,000 face masks. However, it would not sell these products, but rather, save them for partners in emergency situations.

Another country that is looking into the possibility of a washable and reusable facemask is Argaman. What it is developing is a breathable and antiviral protective mask named Bio-Block.

As stated by Jeff Gabbay, the company’s founder and CEO, Bio-Block is a layered mask. Gabbay has expertise in infectious diseases and pathology.

The mask is made with a nanofiber textile that can block the entering of pathogens and a layer of accelerated copper oxide particles.

Gabbay said that the nanofiber’s pores were so small that bacteria could not pass through, and the EPA-approved 100% CottonX fibers could kill the pathogens.

So the mask can kill Coronavirus coming at the wearers and away from them if the wearers are carrying the virus.

A result of an independent lab proves that the virus-killing effect of CottonX is retained after 100 times of home wash and 50 times of industrial wash.

A test with the US Centers for Disease Control’s sponsorship found out that gowns and bedding made out of CottonX reduce 50% of the amount of multi-drug resistant pathogens. A promising outcome for a facemask that is hoped to works against the Coronavirus.

Argaman is producing 20,000 Bio-Block face masks in its facility in Jerusalem. Each of them will be retailed for $50. The first batch will be out in two-month time.

Gabby said that once the masks were ready, an Amazon store will be opened.

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