An EcoFriendly Mask Is Developed By Researchers At Khalifa University

With the COVID-19 pandemic this year, wearing masks has now become the new norm. In a bid to protect ourselves, there has been a surge in the sale of single-use masks. However, due to hygiene conditions, it’s crucial to protect ourselves and immediately dispose of the masks despite the environmental hazards they might impose. 

In partnership with the University of Salerno in Italy, NavaMASK is being developed with the same anti-viral properties of the normal face mask and it is made of biodegradable filtration materials, that can be developed without ending in landfills. 

Helping to combat the pandemic while protecting the environment, a team of researchers from @KhalifaUni, together with partners, have successfully developed the first working prototypes of the NavaMASK – a fully biodegradable & biocompatible anti-viral adaptive face mask

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) October 12, 2020

Dr. Shadi W. Hasan said “The face mask will have perpendicularly arranged nanofibers with a diameter ranging between 100 and 600 nm to pass air through but reject particles, bacteria, and viruses. Its strong anti-microbial properties will ensure >99% removal efficiency of bacteria, thus NavaMASK is expected to compete and outperform many of the existing facemasks in the market.”

Alarmingly, the use of single-use masks can pose a serious threat on the environment. Therefore, the NavaMASK is an innovative and sustainable solution in response to the strong demand for protective face masks from society and governments. 

A patent license has already been filed for NavaMask, as the environment is fully ‘biodegradable’, ‘biocompatible’ and environmentally-friendly.

For more information visit ku.ac.ae 

Lead image supplied