ALAIN, December 8, 2021 (WAM) – The University of the United Arab Emirates (UAEU) has filed a patent for an electric mask to kill viruses, as we have seen with the recent outbreak of COVID-19, epidemics or viral pandemics can cause many global, social and economic problems. In particular, this outbreak has highlighted the need for protective clothing such as face masks and other protective gear that can offer protection to the public from exposure. While some studies show that it takes a few hundred to a few thousand COVID-19 viruses for a person to contact COVID-19, other studies have shown that even just 10 viral particles can lead to viral infection. It is also possible that viruses accumulated on masks and protective gear can later be transferred to the user’s hands or clothing and lead to infection. This clearly shows that the effectiveness of protective clothing is of extreme importance and that any improvement in this effectiveness can even mean the difference between life and death.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers from the University of the United Arab Emirates, led by Dr. Mahmoud Al Ahmad, is tackling this challenge. They developed and patented a device with two flexible graphene electrodes connected to a power source such as a battery (provides a low direct current of 1 µA at 100 mA and a voltage of 3 volts) to power the device. . The two electrodes are fractal and interdigitated such that there are equal spaces between the different electrode “fingers”. This fractal, interdigitated nature increases the surface area and provides more surface area in the spaces for viruses to come into contact with. The device can be attached to any protective clothing, for example face masks. The spaces are large enough to allow adequate air circulation to allow the user to breathe. The backing material is made of a suitable flexible plastic or polymer material, such as, for example, polycarbonate or polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) sheets which can conform to the shape of the user’s face when the face shield is. fixed.
When the device is powered on, one electrode is positively charged and the other electrode is negatively charged, generating an electric field (~ 20 MV / m) and causing current to flow through or through any virus located in or near them. spaces. Viruses are therefore either completely destroyed, or partially destroyed or at least neutralized and rendered harmless. Device settings such as current rating and application period can be adjusted to be effective for different types of viruses. The device can also be attached to any type of protective clothing.
A second application of the device is its functionality for vaccine development. By applying an alternating current superimposed on a direct bias, the infectivity of viruses is affected and the physiology and transmissibility destroyed. It can then be used to create a vaccine against viruses of the same type.
The Vice-Rector for Research at the University of the United Arab Emirates, Prof. Ahmed Ali Mourad, said the university supports and encourages innovation in many fields. The University, through the Patent and Intellectual Property Unit of the Office, supports the ideas of researchers and faculty members and helps preserve ideas and register researchers and academic rights through the system. electronic which allows the researcher to submit the idea and then to scientifically and legally review it through law firms which allow the idea to be patented within 7 months.
He added that this patent is part of the University’s efforts to find the best solutions to global health challenges, especially those related to the spread of viruses and the protection of public health, with health being considered one of the university’s strategic research priorities. He also added that we are proud and happy to have helped strengthen national efforts to protect the health of the community and we look forward to starting commercializing this patent as the next step.
“The work is of interest to the scientific community; it will open up new areas of research to provide smart solutions to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, ”said Prof. Associate of Engineering at UAE University Mahmoud Al Ahmad adding “Although the concept will need more development before being applied to PPE, it is a great start in this direction”.
Translated by: Mervat Mahmoud.
http://wam.ae/en/details/1395303001213
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