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. 2010 Jun 25;5(6):e11295.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011295.

A novel anti-influenza copper oxide containing respiratory face mask

Gadi Borkow  1 , Steve S Zhou, Tom Page, Jeffrey Gabbay
Affiliations

A novel anti-influenza copper oxide containing respiratory face mask

Gadi Borkow et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background: Protective respiratory face masks protect the nose and mouth of the wearer from vapor drops carrying viruses or other infectious pathogens. However, incorrect use and disposal may actually increase the risk of pathogen transmission, rather than reduce it, especially when masks are used by non-professionals such as the lay public. Copper oxide displays potent antiviral properties. A platform technology has been developed that permanently introduces copper oxide into polymeric materials, conferring them with potent biocidal properties.

Methodology/principal findings: We demonstrate that impregnation of copper oxide into respiratory protective face masks endows them with potent biocidal properties in addition to their inherent filtration properties. Both control and copper oxide impregnated masks filtered above 99.85% of aerosolized viruses when challenged with 5.66+/-0.51 and 6.17+/-0.37 log(10)TCID(50) of human influenza A virus (H1N1) and avian influenza virus (H9N2), respectively, under simulated breathing conditions (28.3 L/min). Importantly, no infectious human influenza A viral titers were recovered from the copper oxide containing masks within 30 minutes (< or = 0.88 log(10)TCID(50)), while 4.67+/-1.35 log(10)TCID(50) were recovered from the control masks. Similarly, the infectious avian influenza titers recovered from the copper oxide containing masks were < or = 0.97+/-0.01 log(10)TCID(50) and from the control masks 5.03+/-0.54 log(10)TCID(50). The copper oxide containing masks successfully passed Bacterial Filtration Efficacy, Differential Pressure, Latex Particle Challenge, and Resistance to Penetration by Synthetic Blood tests designed to test the filtration properties of face masks in accordance with the European EN 14683:2005 and NIOSH N95 standards.

Conclusions/significance: Impregnation of copper oxide into respiratory protective face masks endows them with potent anti-influenza biocidal properties without altering their physical barrier properties. The use of biocidal masks may significantly reduce the risk of hand or environmental contamination, and thereby subsequent infection, due to improper handling and disposal of the masks.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: Gadi Borkow, Tom Page and Jeffrey Gabbay work at Cupron Scientific, who produced the antiviral mask and funded the work. The introduction of copper oxide into polymeric materials has been patented. The antiviral mask has received CE approval as a medical device and will be eventually marketed. The authors confirm that this does not alter their adherence to all the PLoS ONE policies on sharing data and materials. Steve S. Zhou is the Director of Virology and Molecular Biology at Microbiotest, the company that performed the actual GLP testing and analysis of the data.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Copper oxide impregnated test mask composition.
a) The test mask was composed of 2 external spunbond polypropylene layers (A and D) containing 2.2% copper oxide particles (weight/weight), one internal meltblown polypropylene layer (B) containing 2% copper oxide particles (w/w) and one polyester layer containing no copper oxide particles. b) Scanning electronic microscope picture and X-ray analysis of external layer A. c) Scanning electronic microscope picture and X-ray photoelectron spectrum analysis of internal layer B.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Viral aerosol challenge test apparatus scheme.
Key: 1. High pressure air source; 2. Filter; 3. Nebulizer; 4. Aerosol chamber; 5. Test material chamber; 6. Anderson impactor; 7. Filter; 8. Calibrated flow meter; 9. Filter; 10. 4L vacuum flask; 11. Filter; 12. 4L vacuum flask; 13. Filter; 14. Vacuum pump.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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