Development of a novel self-sanitizing mask prototype to combat the spread of infectious disease and reduce unnecessary waste

Abstract

With the spread of COVID-19, significant emphasis has been placed on mitigation techniques such as mask wearing to slow infectious disease transmission. Widespread use of face coverings has revealed challenges such as mask contamination and waste, presenting an opportunity to improve the current technologies. In response, we have developed the Auto-sanitizing Retractable Mask Optimized for Reusability (ARMOR). ARMOR is a novel, reusable face covering that can be quickly disinfected using an array of ultraviolet C lamps contained within a wearable case. A nanomembrane UVC sensor was used to quantify the intensity of germicidal radiation at 18 different locations on the face covering and determine the necessary exposure time to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in addition to other viruses and bacteria. After experimentation, it was found that ARMOR successfully provided germicidal radiation to all areas of the mask and will inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in approximately 180 s, H1N1 Influenza in 130 s, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 113 s, proving that this design is effective at eliminating a variety of pathogens and can serve as an alternative to traditional waste-producing disposable face masks. The accessibility, ease of use, and speed of sanitization supports the wide application of ARMOR in both clinical and public settings.

Recent advances and future perspectives in engineering biodegradable face masks

“…157 Autoclaving, radiation, and vapor phase hydrogen peroxide sterilisations are commonly used in laboratories and healthcare facilities as they do not affect the ltration efficiency or the t to the wearer. [158][159][160] However, the source of contaminated face masks is not only produced by healthcare facilities but also generated by household and quarantine centre facilities. 161 Commonly used decontamination methods are expensive and subjected to logistic shortages, making wide adoption of these methods for public sectors challenging.…”

Innovating Respirators: PPE Lessons for Global Catastrophic Biological Risks

“…Further options include respirators with holes for a straw to drink from, 60 antimicrobial materials, 61 or materials that allow quick, safe disinfection. 62 Particularly neglected are respiratory PPE tailored to the needs of non-HCW frontline workers who don't have a respiratory protection program, like those working in food or energy supply. This workforce will be crucial to keeping societies running peacefully and productively during times of extraordinary crisis.…”

Utilizing Rapid Hydrogen Peroxide Generation from 6-Hydroxycatechol to Design Moisture-Activated, Self-Disinfecting Coating

“…Therefore, antipathogenic methods are necessary to prevent the spread of an infection through inhalation or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces. Using self-disinfecting face masks , or surfaces is a convenient and effective approach to control the spread of infections while reducing exposure to disinfectant products, which may cause health problems . Currently available self-disinfecting methods ,− rely on external factors such as heat or light or may not offer rapid disinfection, making them inconvenient or impractical for on-demand use.…”