Researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) have created a mask using silver and copper nanolayers that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, the university said in its official newspaper.
UNAM said that if the viral concentration is high, the virus disappears by more than 80% in about 8 hours, and if the viral load is low, no viral RNA is detected in two hours, world news agencies report.
#Mexican pride UNAM experts create face masks that inactivate Covid-19 https://t.co/ykRwEaA9Iq pic.twitter.com/TMwmf7w6IS
– El Universal (@El_Universal_Mx) August 26, 2021
UNAM calls the three-layer antimicrobial mask SakCu; Sak means silver in the Mayan language, and Cu is the chemical symbol for copper.
The university said: “Upon contact with the silver-copper nanolayer, the SARS-CoV-2 membrane is destroyed and its RNA is damaged. Thus, even if SakCu is disposed of incorrectly, this will not be a problem as it does not remain contaminated as well. many of the masks that are discarded “.
The mask is reusable and can be washed up to 10 times without losing its biocidal properties.
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