At present, masks that protect doctors and nurses from new coronavirus infections can only play a protective role, but researchers from the University of Florida are developing a protective coating, which includes a new mask material, which can be used in several Stop and kill the virus in seconds.
Sudipta Seal, an engineer in materials science and nanotechnology from the University of Florida, and virologist Griffith Parks initiated this project with the support of the National Science Foundation.
Seal said that most of the current protective equipment can only play a role in isolating viruses and cannot capture and kill viruses. Therefore, I hope to make a nanostructured coating to kill the virus and further improve the protective effect.
Seal first developed some nanostructures that could capture the virus, and then used ultraviolet light to destroy it to initiate a chemical reaction. If successful, the coating can be added to masks, gloves and protective clothing.
Subsequently, Parks conducted a series of tests on these materials to determine which materials are effective, which viruses can be killed, and how fast.
Parks has found that certain materials have good effects on specific viruses, which also brings hope for the next step in the production of materials.
Parks said that we have achieved initial success, and I believe that this method is useful for other potential epidemics and the various viruses and bacteria that medical service workers face when taking care of patients.
This interdisciplinary approach may help the world deal with this epidemic.
Special Report:ย Fighting The New Coronavirus