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UAE University develops electric mask to get rid of viruses

16 Dec '21
2 min read
Pic: Emirates News Agency
Pic: Emirates News Agency

The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has registered a patent for an electrical mask to kill viruses, including the novel coronavirus. Led by Mahmoud Al Ahmad, a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the university has developed and patented a device that has two flexible graphene electrodes connected to a power source such as a battery.

The two electrodes are fractal and interdigitated in such a way that equal spaces exist between the different electrode ‘fingers’. This fractal and interdigitated nature increases the surface area and provides more area in the spaces for the viruses to make contact.

The spaces are large enough to permit adequate airflow to allow the user to breath. The backing material is made of suitable flexible plastics or polymer material, such as polycarbonate or polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) sheets that can conform to the shape of the users face when the facemask is secured.

When current flows through the spaces, the viruses are fully or partially destroyed or at least incapacitated and rendered harmless. The current rating and application period can be adjusted to be effective for different kinds of viruses. The device can also be attached to any kind of protective apparel, according to local UAE reports.

A second application of the device is its functionality for vaccine development. By applying an alternating current superimposed with direct bias, the viruses’ infectivity is affected, and physiology and communicability destroyed. It can then be used to create a vaccine against viruses of the same type.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

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