Coronavirus: IIT Delhi startup designs reusable antimicrobial mask

Using a mask is going to be a new norm soon. To make its usage economical for the public, an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi startup has developed an antimicrobial face mask with a special feature.

To meet the demand for face masks during the ongoing coronavirus crisis, an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi startup has developed an antimicrobial face mask that can be washed up to 50 times and reused.

The mask is a triple-layered product. It consists of an inner hydrophilic layer for comfort.a middle-layer for antimicrobial activity and the outermost layer which acts as a repellent for water and oil.

The team consists of Anasuya Roy, Founder, and CEO of Nanosafe Solutions and Mangala Joshi, professor, Textile and Fibre Engineering, IIT Delhi, who is also the founder of the startup.

 While explaining the efficiency of the mask, Joshi, said, "This is the first fabric-based antimicrobial face mask launched in India, which is washable and reusable along with very high Bacterial Filtration Efficiency as tested according to ASTM standards. It is engineered to have very good breathability and comfort.”

The mask helps in protecting the wearer through three different mechanisms: mechanical filtration, antimicrobial decontamination and repulsion of aerosol droplets.

 “The mask has been designed to maximize durability and dimensional stability so that the mask can be reused 50 times," Roy said.

The mask can be hand-washed with cold water after eight-night hours usage and a mild detergent and dried thoroughly in the sunlight.

 It has 99.2 per cent bacterial filtration efficiency and can be used 50 times before discarding.

 It will be made available in two packets priced at Rs. 299 for two and Rs. 589 for a pack of four.

IITs around the country are coming up with new innovations to help the government and healthcare workers in the fight against coronavirus.

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