University of Kentucky engineering researchers have produced a membrane that might be used to catch and deactivate coronavirus protein in a medical mask. A common detergent enzyme is used to accomplish the end result. Dibakar Bhattacharyya is a professor in the College of Engineering. In addition to a mask product, Bhattacharyya said there are implications for HVAC filtering.
“Our goal, besides masks, is also to create the same device for filtering out small rooms, hospitals, and restaurants. That has way bigger applications,” said Bhattacharyya
Rollie Mills is a PH D student, assisting in the effort. Mills said the ultra-thin material provides protection for a much longer period of time. He noted it also tackles a serious problem that surfaced during the pandemic.
“Mask waste and all these masks are going to landfills, so if our masks can stay viable and breathable for longer periods of time we can also subsequently reduce that plastic pollution that we have currently occurring,” said Mills.
Also assisting in the project is Tom Dziubla from the College of Engineering. He said converting the membrane into a fabric material for a medical mask hasn’t been done yet, but researchers are confident it can be done. Commercialization may depend on the need. Dziubla noted there would be a higher cost initially, but it could also serve as beneficial in addressing other diseases in the future.
