In Spain, a group of experts devised a mask that guarantees to have filters that deactivate various kinds of coronavirus in two hours on average. It is also said to have an efficacy rate of nearly 100 percent, ensuring shield from COVID-19.
In an article, Entrepreneur describes the special mask maker, Bioinicia, as a Spanish company whose specialization is to develop and "manufacture nano materials microstructures," and the "hand of Higher Council for Scientific Research or CSIC of Spain and signature Palens."
It created a mask presently amounting to roughly $73 per 25-piece pack or approximately $3 apiece. According to the said report, the Spanish firm is marketing its newly-developed face mask via its website and brand Proveil.
It states that the face mask has gained certification from multiple health regulations, "among which they have been applied within the European Union."
What Makes the Mask Special
Among the remarkable elements in developing this mask include the nanofibers, in which their air filtrations are mechanical, instead of electrostatic that generates a "presentation with uniform morphology" that has a pore size that's much tinier than that of the customary "meltdown polypropylene filters."
This Spanish-made mask allows air, with an estimated size of four nanometers, to pass through, while it filters viral aerosols, microbes and suspended particles. The size of viruses typically differs from 80 to 160 nanometers.
In response to present needs, Bioinicia and CSIS committed their resources to this filter's development, which could shield their key employees from the virus.
Moreover, also according to the company, it has its pharmaceutical manufacturing plant changed "to produce Proveil for supply to mask manufacturers all over Europe.
Filtration Efficacy
It is important to know that most of the face masks currently used are based on polypropylene melt down nonwoven fibers, scattered between their layers.
In the case of the Proveil mask, it has efficacy for the filtration of tiny particles in the air. More so, it is based on electrostatic surface charges that draw and capture the said elements from the air and pass through the filter.
This so-called "electrostatic filtering effect" is only effective when the mask is dry and it vanishes rapidly when in use.
Meanwhile, in the case of this Spanish-manufactured mask, it is different as it is characterized as a "thin layer of nanofibers," with diameters over ten times tinier compared to the conventional fibers, providing a highly efficient mechanical filtration for tiny particles in the air, minus losing efficacy over time.
How People Can Buy These Masks
Since January 18, Bioinicia has been selling these special masks via its online store. The company is also planning to expand distribution through other marketing channels like pharmacies.
It is worthy to mention that the product called the PLNS1619 model, which does not have "virucide" is available for a price of roughly a little over $57 for every 25 units.
READ NEXT : It May Feel Uncomfortable, But Wearing Mask During Exercise Should Not Damage Oxygen Intake
Check out more news and information on COVID-19 and Face Masks on Science Times.
