In the spring, the same team introduced the Subveco reactor filter for face masks and half-masks. However, its production has been delayed due to complications related to product certification. That’s why the researchers are now presenting another innovation, whose path to the market is significantly smoother.
“The reactor filter for disinfecting inhaled air, which we developed within a few weeks this spring, was so innovative that there were no existing standards for it. Unfortunately, this later turned out to be an obstacle to fast certification — without which the product cannot reach the public. With our UV mask, we wanted to avoid similar issues. Therefore, we opted for a path that allows us to use existing certifications. This has resulted in a research outcome that can move into production very quickly,” explained Roman Fojtík, the head of the research team.
The innovative solution is based on the use of radiation that transforms a conventional face mask into an effective protective tool against viruses and bacteria. It offers protection for the user against the novel coronavirus, which has already claimed around 1.27 million lives worldwide.
The researchers aimed to help not only vulnerable groups such as teachers, seniors, or healthcare workers, but anyone interested in personal safety. “While wearing a regular mask mainly protects others, the UV mask protects the wearer as well. It helps prevent infection from individuals who may not be wearing a mask at all or are wearing it incorrectly. In practice, the common phrase ‘My mask protects you, your mask protects me’ doesn’t always hold true,” Fojtík explained. Although the development of the UV mask was a response to the current coronavirus pandemic, he believes its use could also be beneficial in the future against other infectious diseases.
The development of the UV mask began in April this year, and the research is expected to be completed in December. The team has now entered the final phase — the preparation of a prototype. They already have their first potential manufacturing partner. “We are very open to cooperation with commercial companies. Our goal is for our research to benefit the general public. The final price of the UV mask will be set by the manufacturer, but I estimate it to be around CZK 1,000, with a lifespan of several thousand hours,” Fojtík concluded.
The project has been supported by VSB-TUO Rector Václav Snášel and the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, in collaboration with the VSB-TUO Centre for Nanotechnology.
Source: https://techfocus.cz/veda-vesmir/2584-revolucni-uv-rouska-ceskych-vedcu-chrani-pred-viry.html