Khalifa University registers a patent for an anti-virus mask
Khalifa University of Science and Technology announced today that a research team from the university has developed the first effective model of "NAFA Mask", which is a new, environmentally friendly, anti-virus mask developed from biological materials and nanofibers that give it effective anti-microbial properties.
The researchers have registered a patent on the biological material used in the development of the muzzle.
The nava mask allows people to breathe easily and provides a set of anti-microbial properties. It can also be washed and reused several times.
The muzzle also provides the advantage of safe disposal after the end of its use, as it has the ability to biodegrade, which makes it harmless to the environment, and the project has also witnessed aspects of cooperation in the fields of research and development with the University of Salerno in Italy.
Deputy CEO at Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, said, "The Nava Mask muzzle with biological characteristics reflects Khalifa University's continuous efforts in trying to find solutions that would directly contribute to serving our communities, as the university funded 14 related research projects. With efforts to combat the pandemic, while this innovation confirms our efforts in the field of research and development in areas that focus on issues related to society, specifically combating the pandemic. This research is supervised by prominent experts from members of the academic body, using modern laboratories and advanced research centers at the university.
On his part, the President of the University of Salerno, Italy, Dr. Vincenzo Loya, said, “The University of Salerno has extensive experience in interdisciplinary research at an international level.
The quality of our international research and its ability to serve the real needs of society confirm the accreditation that the University of Salerno enjoys in the most prestigious academic rankings annually.
The NAFA-Mask muzzle is another practical example of a research idea born in laboratories that is able to accurately and quickly provide support for the great challenge associated with the complex period we are going through, combining innovation with environmental sustainability. ”
"Since the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Department of Environmental Sanitary Engineering at the University of Salerno has immediately transformed the laboratory to support the activities of national industries in testing respirators according to international standards," said Dr. Vincenzo Nadieu, director of the Department of Environmental Sanitary Engineering at the University of Salerno in Italy. 2020, the center has become one of the first official centers for researching masks, whether in Italy or in Europe in general.Nava-mask muzzle is an innovative and sustainable solution that comes in response to the great demand from societies and governments for masks, as our experience in this field has contributed to improving the new filtering material Biodegradable, which will be useful for designing the next generation of masks. In addition, in this project, we have developed a new international protocol for rapid and economical testing of masks. "
The project, which was conducted at Khalifa University, was supervised by Dr. Shadi Hassan, Associate Professor and Head of the Membrane and Advanced Water Technology Center, Dr. Faisal Al Marzouqi, Assistant Professor, Professor Fawzi Banat, Professor and Head of the Chemical Engineering Department, and Dr. Mustafa Mafukandi, PhD Researcher in Chemical Engineering.
In this regard, Dr. Shady said that the research team conceived the Nava Mask mask in the context of the urgent need for environmentally friendly face masks to be alternative to those available at the present time while maintaining the best safety standards and breathing effectiveness.
The muzzle was made by selecting purifying materials that are biodegradable and at the same time able to provide the individual with the necessary protection without causing skin irritation, and most importantly, it is safe for the environment.
The muzzle has nanofibers arranged vertically with a diameter ranging from 100 to 600 nanometers to allow air to pass through it and prevent the entry of foreign particles, bacteria and viruses, and its anti-microbial properties ensure the effectiveness of eliminating bacteria by more than 99%, and NAFA Mask is expected to compete with many masks. Available in the market and even superior to them.
Dr. Mustafa said that a large number of experiments have been conducted with the aim of finding the correct method that includes the correct biological materials necessary for the development of the muzzle.
It is noteworthy that Khalifa University researchers are planning the second phase of this innovation, which aims to produce a second-generation design of Nava Mask that is characterized by its effectiveness in purification, comfort and ease of breathing, which in turn reflects the state’s efforts in the process of progress and advancement in the field of innovation.
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