Some time ago, Tomsk State University and the Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science (ISPMS) presented an innovation technology of producing powder with nanoparticles that have antiviral and antibacterial properties.   

Today we are going to find the answers to the questions “How and why does it work?” and “Who needs it?”

The pandemic made face masks one of the most popular mass-market products. There is a controversial discourse around their efficacy conducted by doctors, chemists, and regular consumers in mass media and on the Internet. Everybody agrees on one thing though: it is better to wear masks around sick people who cough and sneeze so that we can eliminate a chance to get some expectoration on our face. Another question is whether the spiteful virus can crawl through the pores of the mast. Chemists give a comprehensive response to that: yes, it can, if we talk about regular single-use masks.

The thing is that viruses are way smaller than the pores of the mask. A real barrier may be provided, for example, by pathogen coats or other filter devices. Many researchers and manufacturers are trying to solve the problem of creating a mask that could provide people with a proper protection on everyday basis. Among them are our Israeli colleagues who have announced about their success in the project called MedCu. However, materials with particles of a relatively large size with silver or simple oxides of copper and zinc have been used in such developments so far.

What TSU and ISPMS present is a powder with multicomponent nanoparticles that consist of several biocidal compounds, which amplify the effects of each other.

Multicomponent nanoparticles are five times more efficacious than simple oxides. Therefore, the powder may be used in smaller proportions, which is very important: everything that kills viruses is unfortunately more or less toxic for people. Any antiviral drug and material has a certain toxic level. Let’s say, there is technology of producing masks with silver particles. But silver kills viruses only when used in proportions that are harmful for people. Besides, silver is not a natural chemical element for humans. In our case, multicomponent nanoparticles lower the toxic level of materials because of their small amount.

Nanoparticles have a double impact on viruses. They break down the protein coat and the RNA of the virus. An additional layer made of a non-woven material gets coated with nanoparticles. It is a perspective technology as not only masks but any other objects and materials can be modified, for example, the ones that are used in the production of medical clothes and bedsheets for hospitals. The power can be added when making pieces of furniture and interior for hospitals. 

To make the development work, it is necessary to launch production on three levels: the production of the power with nanoparticles; the production of the non-woven material with the power; and the production of the final products, such as respiratory masks. 

TSU and ISPMS are ready to produce about two tons of power per year. That is about 33 tons of material for a huge number of masks.

The TSU’s strategic partner Engineering Chemical Technological Center will produce the non-woven material with the powder.

The next step is to find industrial partners who will be ready to modify their assembly lines. We have received a positive response from “Roshimzaschita”, one of the leading manufacturers of protection equipment in Russia.

The Editorial Board of the blog appreciates the help from:

TSU Rector’s Counsellor, Doctor of Medicine Alexey Sazonov,

Head of the Laboratory at the Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science, Professor Marat Lerner,

Director of the Engineering Chemical Technological Center, Doctor of Chemistry Alexey Knyazev