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Universal and reusable virus deactivation system for respiratory protection
Scientific Reports volume 7, Article number: 39956 (2017)
Abstract
Aerosolized pathogens are a leading cause of respiratory infection and transmission. Currently used protective measures pose potential risk of primary/secondary infection and transmission. Here, we report the development of a universal, reusable virus deactivation system by functionalization of the main fibrous filtration unit of surgical mask with sodium chloride salt. The salt coating on the fiber surface dissolves upon exposure to virus aerosols and recrystallizes during drying, destroying the pathogens. When tested with tightly sealed sides, salt-coated filters showed remarkably higher filtration efficiency than conventional mask filtration layer, and 100% survival rate was observed in mice infected with virus penetrated through salt-coated filters. Viruses captured on salt-coated filters exhibited rapid infectivity loss compared to gradual decrease on bare filters. Salt-coated filters proved highly effective in deactivating influenza viruses regardless of subtypes and following storage in harsh environmental conditions.
Our results can be applied in obtaining a broad-spectrum, airborne pathogen prevention device in preparation for epidemic and pandemic of respiratory diseases.
"We’ve tested our system on three different influenza viruses and have shown that the virus on the surface of a coated contaminated mask is inactive within five minutes and completely destroyed within 30 minutes," says Choi. He believes that the technology should be equally effective against coronavirus.
The university is now looking for corporate partners to help commercialize the coating, with hopes of having a product on the market within 12 to 18 months.
originally posted by: Boadicea
a reply to: MotherMayEye
Good to know... VERY good to know -- thank you!
I know nothing about the science behind it, but it makes sense. Salt is used as a preservative -- basically killing bacteria and other nasty things that would spoil food.
And drinking salt water for a sore throat or toothache (infection) are age old home remedies.
I'm not surprised salt would be effective in this way as well. Good news!!!
originally posted by: MotherMayEye
a reply to: newthings
Another important fact that eludes us...how does heat affect this virus? It must destroy it at some temperature...what temperature?