Brazilian Researchers Develop Mask Fabric Capable of Resisting Covid-19 Virus

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – In two months, researchers from the Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute of Post-Graduate Studies and Engineering Research at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Coppe/UFRJ), the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (INMETRO) and the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC Rio) will introduce an antiviral mask fabric that provides greater protection against Covid-19 to healthcare professionals.

The announcement was made yesterday, August 7th, by Professor Renata Simão from the Nanotechnology Engineering and Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Programs of Coppe. The fabric is being produced at Coppe/UFRJ’s Surface Engineering Laboratory.

Renata explained that, at present, researchers are in fact developing products that will be inserted into a standard cotton fabric, in order to improve the properties of this common fabric and achieve the required level of a mask similar to N95. “What we’re doing is not developing the fabric, but rather we’re modifying the fabric to ensure that it has enhanced properties through the changes we are introducing,” she explained. The research also involves the inclusion of paper among these products. “We also include anti-viral particles, which will kill the virus.”

According to Renata, the major advantage is that because it is a common cotton, which is biodegradable, the material that is discovered will not be harmful to the environment. As well as being disposable, it can be reused and, even when discarded, it’s biodegradable, which means it will not generate waste. “This is a crucial and significant point for us.”

The fabric under development is called hydrophobic (waterproof). The virus is typically carried through droplets, such as saliva, which the individual expels. These droplets, when in contact with the fabric under development, are unable to penetrate it and will flow out. “And if, by chance, they do penetrate it, there is an internal layer that will contain it, containing nanoparticles that will kill the virus.”

At first, researchers are considering developing a three-layer mask, the first of which is comfortable, close to the face; the second in the middle, including nanoparticles; and the third, external, with a waterproof coating, “which is also biocompatible and biodegradable,” Renata said. She said that some layers can also be made from modified paper. “We are considering the outer and middle layers made of paper.”

Tests for the classification and assessment of the efficacy of nanoparticles are being conducted at INMETRO’s Electronic Microscopy Laboratory. Carlos Achete, an expert in Materials Metrology at the INMETRO and the coordinator of a project called Hydrophobic and Active Fabrics to Replace Hospital TNT, commented that “if the efficacy (of the fabric) is proven, the country may have access to a technology that will provide greater safety and reduced risk of infection, even in a hospital environment, where it is more frequent. And the best aspect: at an affordable cost to society.”

The testing process and its verification, aimed at product certification, are the responsibility of Gisele Birman Tonietto, coordinator of the Analytical Center of the Chemistry Department of the Scientific Technical Center (CTC/PUC Rio). Gisele believes that the main goal “is to meet the demands of society, with all the expertise that the university offers. In a moment of urgency, to be able to provide academic knowledge in favor of healthcare professionals only confirms the value that should be attached to science and research in Brazil.”

Breathing and CO2 (carbon dioxide) saturation tests have been conducted in partnership with Coppe’s laboratory. Renata Simão reported that 15 researchers from the three institutions, including teachers and students, are involved in the project.

She said that after the completion of the fabric, scheduled for two months from now, it will be ready to enter industrial production. The research is currently running a pilot project in parallel, to “try to produce it as soon as possible. But certainly still this year,” she said. The production partner company has already been prospected.

Renata said the mask’s cost to healthcare professionals could be reduced with the finding of this modified fabric, compared to an N95 or other masks available on the market that offer greater protection. “We believe it will be highly competitive.” The goal is to manufacture “at least 500 waterproof fabric masks per week to be donated.”

According to the Coppe/UFRJ’s professor, the most important factor in the development of this special fabric is the research partnership in Brazil. “We are adding different skills from different institutions and the product is born from these different skills. I think this is the most important aspect, in addition to the support of the Rio de Janeiro State Research Foundation (FAPERJ), which is indispensable.”

She added that at this time of pandemic and denial of science, the foundations supporting science throughout Brazil are requesting and funding research, which is extremely positive. Renata Simão said there was a degree of resistance, even in working as a team in a network with other institutions. This antiviral fabric project has shown that this may be possible. The concept did not stem from a particular university or institute. “It was the result of the association of three projects that were already underway and that could only turn into reality the product from the partnership that will come out in two months. If I tried to do it alone, it would take two years.”

Source: Agência Brasil