Graphic demonstrates how technology created at the University of South Florida uses corona discharge to rapidly disinfect and electrostatically recharge N95 respirators.
CREDIT: University of South Florida
Technology created at the University of South Florida (USF) could be the key to safely reusing disposable face masks.
Researchers have figured out a way to rapidly disinfect and electrostatically recharge N95 respirators, recovering their original filtration efficiency and protection capability against COVID-19 and other airborne diseases.
In their study published in Environment Science & Technology, the team demonstrated their patent-pending sterilization technology could restore an N95 respirator’s original filtration efficiency of about 95 percent, even after 15 cycles of treatment. The technology fights coronavirus by using corona discharge – ambient atmospheric pressure plasma. The technology works by simultaneously deactivating pathogens on a mask and restoring its electrostatic charges. It is non-thermal, meaning it doesn’t require extra heating, and doesn’t require chemicals or contact, making it safe and convenient to use. It’s reusable, safer than ultraviolet (UV) radiation and is a low-power consumption technique – only requiring 1.25 watts of electricity.
In addition to providing protection, corona discharge treatment can have a significant impact on the environment. According to a report released by the Hong Kong-based marine conservation organization OceansAsia, 1.56 billion face masks polluted the oceans in 2020 and will likely take more than 450 years to fully decompose. Instead of individuals using hundreds of masks per year, researchers say the technology will limit their consumption to dozens each year.
“It is a reduction of 90 percent for each user. If we assume that 10 percent of the population all over the world takes advantage of corona discharge mask reuse technology, there will be four- five billion fewer masks disposed to the environment,” said project lead Ying Zhong, assistant professor in the USF Department of Mechanical Engineering. “It will reduce at least 24 million tons of plastic pollution and reduce the amount of chemicals used for mask disinfection and avoid their environmental impact.”
“Despite the challenging conditions of the pandemic, this was the most thrilling project that I have ever worked on. We wish our research advances the understanding of how corona discharge disinfection can be turned into products on the market as soon as possible,” said co-project lead Libin Ye, assistant professor in the USF Department of Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Microbiology.
The researchers are collaborating with a medical device design company to turn their prototypes into products available to hospitals and to the general public. The team is also working to develop handheld surface screening devices to sterilize homes, hospitals and other public areas, such as restaurants, schools and public transportation.
Original Article: Worldwide mask shortage and pollution concerns addressed by University of South Florida invention
More from: University of South Florida
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Corona discharge treatment
- Why Would Anyone Live Under Wires Of Death? (2)on April 17, 2024 at 11:47 pm
Corona discharge The paper discusses what it refers to as corona discharge. It says a serious activity going on around high tension is what is referred to as corona discharge that it has to do ...
- The Many Wrong Beliefs About Pelvic Inflammatory Diseaseon April 6, 2024 at 2:19 am
Jane Abilo, 40, recalls she experienced pains in her lower abdomen, fever, pain, and frequent urination with occasional vaginal discharge before ... vaginal discharge. Treatment He said in ...
- Better Noise Reduction With Scienceon July 6, 2023 at 9:31 am
With the cool name plasmaacoustic metalayers, the technique uses a controlled corona discharge to create very thin layers of plasma between a metal grid and thin wires. With no voltage ...
- 5M10.18 Gallium Arsenide Corona Dischargeon March 7, 2023 at 8:00 pm
A sharp conductor on the Van de Graaff generator will emit electrons via corona discharge and prevent arcing to an adjacent grounded tower. A shard of GaAs on a Van de Graaff generator will also ...
- Everything About ICICI Lombard Insuranceon December 22, 2022 at 3:31 am
Editorial Note: This content has been independently collected by the Forbes Advisor team and is offered on a non-advised basis. This content is not part of the comparison service provided by ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Corona discharge treatment
[google_news title=”” keyword=”corona discharge treatment” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Worldwide mask shortage
- Can European Union wean itself off essential drugs from China, India?on May 9, 2024 at 2:10 am
The COVID pandemic has shown that public health in Europe relies massively on Asian supplies, from masks to antibiotics. EU attempts to reshore production seem to be going nowhere, and do they make ...
- AstraZeneca Is Withdrawing Its Covid Vaccine Worldwide, Citing Low Demandon May 8, 2024 at 10:58 am
AstraZeneca has started to pull its Covid-19 vaccine from global markets because of low demand, the pharmaceutical giant said. The decision closes the chapter on a shot that was widely used in the ...
- In Economic Security, Trade-offs Aboundon May 8, 2024 at 9:25 am
Policymakers face complex cost-benefit considerations when intervening in the market to mitigate perceived risks, from climate change to competition with China.
- Wearing Masks During the Gaza Protestson May 7, 2024 at 5:23 am
Readers criticize protesters who try to maintain their anonymity. Also: Money and politics; protecting oceans; possible exiles if Donald Trump wins.
- Children with asthma are victims of our climate crisison May 7, 2024 at 4:00 am
A rougher allergy season and the prevalence of wildfires will make the summer especially tough for people with asthma.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Worldwide mask shortage
[google_news title=”” keyword=”worldwide mask shortage” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]