Scientists develop self-disinfecting, biodegradable face masks to combat COVID-19

What is the News?

Indian scientists have developed a self-disinfecting antiviral mask to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

What is the self disinfecting mask developed by Indian Scientists?

The mask has been developed by Indian Scientists under the Nano Mission Project of the Department of Science and technology.

The mask is coated with copper-based nanoparticles. Copper-based nanoparticles have been developed using Flame Spray Pyrolysis(FSP) facility. FSP process involves the conversion of solution precursors into nanopowders by high-temperature pyrolytic decomposition.

The mask exhibits high performance against the COVID-19 virus as well as several other viral and bacterial infections. It is also highly biodegradable, highly breathable and washable.

What are the advantages of this mask compared to other masks?

Exhibits Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties: This mask has strong antiviral and antibacterial properties when compared to expensive masks that are there in the Indian market that neither exhibit antiviral nor antibacterial properties. 

Multi-Layered Mask: The present-day face masks only retain the viruses by filtering and do not kill them and hence, are prone to transmission if the masks are not properly worn or disposed of. But this multi-layer cloth mask is a good solution for use by the public in reducing COVID-19 transmission in the community.

Biodegradable: Most of the conventional masks effective against COVID-19 are for single-use and are not biodegradable. Thus creating serious environmental concerns and waste-management issues. But this new mask is biodegradable.

Source: This post is based on the article “Scientists develop self-disinfecting, biodegradable face masks to combat COVID-19” published in PIB on 5th Feb 2022.