<p>Two city-based researchers claim to have developed a low-cost virucidal composite mask that offers the same level of protection as N95 masks that are in short supply.</p>.<p>Makers of the mask at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) — associate professors Kaushik Chatterjee and Suryasarathi Bose and three PhD students — say the masks’ three-layer design offers greater protection.</p>.<p>While the outer layer of the mask is made of polyester fabric with hydrophobic qualities to deflect water droplets containing the viruses, the central nanofibrous membrane is a fine mesh of a positively charged polymer that defeats bacterial viral agents. The inner cotton layer is for the user’s comfort.</p>.<p>The IISc team said they were persuaded to take up the project when clinicians at CMC Vellore sought assistance in getting a high-efficacy, low-cost mask.</p>.<p>“They suggested that we look into the problem," Dr Chatterjee said, adding that the anti-viral masks available in the market are either expensive or are inefficient in reducing viral transmission.</p>.<p>“Low cost and effectiveness was our primary concern,” added Dr Bose, explaining that as per their estimates, the materials costs of the mask is Rs 22 per unit. </p>.<p><strong>Can be used for 8 hours</strong></p>.<p>The mask, designed to deal with high viral exposure, can be used for eight hours before it would require sanitisation using an ultraviolet chamber, Dr Bose added.</p>.<p>In addition to healthcare workers, the IISc team also hopes the masks will help bridge the deficit in mask availability among the public. “With a little bit of modification, we hope that this mask can be geared towards public use,” Dr Bose added. “We see a lot of poor people without masks. They (simply) wear surgical masks or wrap a cloth around their faces.”</p>.<p>The team said it will transfer the technology to an interested manufacturer.</p>
<p>Two city-based researchers claim to have developed a low-cost virucidal composite mask that offers the same level of protection as N95 masks that are in short supply.</p>.<p>Makers of the mask at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) — associate professors Kaushik Chatterjee and Suryasarathi Bose and three PhD students — say the masks’ three-layer design offers greater protection.</p>.<p>While the outer layer of the mask is made of polyester fabric with hydrophobic qualities to deflect water droplets containing the viruses, the central nanofibrous membrane is a fine mesh of a positively charged polymer that defeats bacterial viral agents. The inner cotton layer is for the user’s comfort.</p>.<p>The IISc team said they were persuaded to take up the project when clinicians at CMC Vellore sought assistance in getting a high-efficacy, low-cost mask.</p>.<p>“They suggested that we look into the problem," Dr Chatterjee said, adding that the anti-viral masks available in the market are either expensive or are inefficient in reducing viral transmission.</p>.<p>“Low cost and effectiveness was our primary concern,” added Dr Bose, explaining that as per their estimates, the materials costs of the mask is Rs 22 per unit. </p>.<p><strong>Can be used for 8 hours</strong></p>.<p>The mask, designed to deal with high viral exposure, can be used for eight hours before it would require sanitisation using an ultraviolet chamber, Dr Bose added.</p>.<p>In addition to healthcare workers, the IISc team also hopes the masks will help bridge the deficit in mask availability among the public. “With a little bit of modification, we hope that this mask can be geared towards public use,” Dr Bose added. “We see a lot of poor people without masks. They (simply) wear surgical masks or wrap a cloth around their faces.”</p>.<p>The team said it will transfer the technology to an interested manufacturer.</p>
