A 3D-printed Mask that kills Corona - Pune-based start-up develops reusable mask that inactivates novel coronavirus.

Pune-based start-up develops mask that inactivates novel coronavirus.

Developed virucidal coating formulations and then used 3D printing techniques to evenly coat fabric layers with it.

This coated layer can be incorporated as an additional layer in N-95 masks, 3-ply masks, simple cloth masks, 3D printed or other plastic cover masks, along with reusable filters.

The filters of these reusable masks have also been developed using 3D printing.

A Pune-based start-up has integrated 3D printing and pharmaceuticals to develop a mask which inactivates viral particles that come in contact with it, the Department Science and Technology said.

These masks are coated with anti-viral agents known otherwise as virucides.

The coating has been tested and shown to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2, adding the material used in it is a Sodium Olefin Sulfonate-based mixture, a soap-forming agent.

In contact with enveloped viruses, it disrupts the outer membrane of the virus. The ingredients used are stable at room temperature and are widely used in cosmetics.

Thincr Technologies India Pvt Ltd has applied for a patent for this product. Commercial scale manufacturing has also started.

The masks have been found to have bacterial filtration efficiency higher than 95 per cent.