The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has registered a patent for an electrical mask to kill viruses.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers at UAE University, led by Dr Mahmoud Al Ahmad, have developed the device that has two flexible graphene electrodes connected to a power source such as a battery–supplying a low rating direct current of 1 µA to 100mA and a voltage 3 volts–to power the device, according to local media reports.
The two electrodes are fractal and interdigitated such that equal spaces exist between the different electrode “fingers”.
This fractal and interdigitated nature increases the surface area and provides for more area in the spaces for the viruses to make contact.
The device can be attached to any protective apparel, for example, face masks. The spaces are sufficiently large enough to permit adequate airflow to allow the user to breathe.
The backing material is made of suitable flexible plastics or polymer material, such as, for example, polycarbonate or Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) sheets which can conform to the shape of the user’s face when the facemask is secured.
When the device is powered, it generates an electric field that causes a current to flow through or across any viruses located in or near the spaces. The viruses are therefore either fully destroyed, or partially destroyed or at least incapacitated and rendered harmless.
The device settings such as 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.
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.
Prof Ahmed Ali Murad, Associate Provost for Research at UAE University, said the patent comes as part of the University’s efforts to find the best solutions to the global health challenges especially those related to the spread of the virus.
He said “we are looking forward to marketing this patent as the next step”.