Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a functional mask that could eliminate the spread of COVID-19 and other similar types of viruses.
Title: Functional Mask
Background: In a pandemic such as the COVID-19 outbreak, wearing a mask combined with other preventive measures can help slow the spread of the virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends fabric masks for the general public. However, conventional masks with double fabric layers are incapable of completely eliminating/filtering the virus and merely serve as a physical barrier for the wearer. The viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms that enter into masks are not immediately killed or deactivated and can pose a threat to the wearer and others once the mask is removed from the wearer. The risk of getting infected still exists even if people wear conventional masks, especially in places where many individuals congregate, such as hospitals, businesses, and public gathering spaces. Thus, there is a need for a functional mask capable of effectively protecting the wearer by killing bacteria and/or viruses on the spot.
Innovation: UCLA inventors have developed a functional mask that is capable of eliminating a variety of microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria encountered by the wearer. This improvement upon conventional face masks effectively serves as a virucide to help reduce the risk of spreading SARS-CoV-2 that remains inside masks without having been eliminated. If utilized in public spaces, this innovation has the potential to help lower the transmission of COVID-19.
Potential Applications: • Masks for containing the spread of virus • Face coverings
Advantages: • Capable of eliminating virus • Easy implementation • High accessibility
Development to Date: First successful demonstration of the invention has been accomplished.
Related Papers: N/A