Attribution: University of Liverpool
Researchers from the University of Liverpool have engineered a groundbreaking material with the capacity to seize coronavirus particles, which holds the potential to significantly improve the effectiveness of face masks and other filtration devices in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and similar viruses.
In a scholarly article released in Nature Communications, the study revealed that when this novel material was employed in a standard face mask, it exhibited a remarkable 93% increase in efficiency in trapping proteins, encompassing those of the coronavirus, without adversely affecting breathability.
The leading scientists in the invention of this novel material are Professor Peter Myers, an authority in the field of chromatography, and Dr. Simon Maher, an expert in mass spectrometry. Both have previously collaborated on high-performance liquid chromatography processes that enable proteins to adhere to the surface of chromatographic support materials.
Amid the global health crisis, Professor Myers conceptualized that reversing this adherence mechanism could facilitate the absorption of proteins, particularly the S1 spike protein that envelops the outer lipid membrane of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Consequently, the interdisciplinary team at the University of Liverpool, comprised of experts from the Department of Chemistry and Electrical Engineering and Electronics, modified the surface of the spherical silica particle initially used in chromatography to make it highly adhesive to the SARS-CoV-2 S1 spike protein.
Simultaneously, they augmented the porosity of the silica particle to offer an expansive surface area of 300m^2 per gram, roughly equivalent to the area of a tennis court. They also expanded the internal volume of the silica sphere to provide greater capacity for trapping the virus.
This innovative material is currently in the proof-of-concept stage, and tests indicate its effectiveness not just in face masks but also in air filters utilized in aircraft, automobiles, and HVAC systems. Alongside this, the research group, which also involves the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, formulated a technique to affix the adhesive particles to the surface of a conventional face mask.
Professor Peter Myers noted, “While this proof-of-concept research is in its nascent stages, it has extensive potential applications. Even though COVID-19 is receding as a global health menace, this material could be instrumental in capturing a wide spectrum of bioaerosols, including the emerging COVID variant BA.2.86 as well as influenzas and other lethal viruses such as Nipah.”
Reference: “Protein-Adsorbing Silica Particles Affixed to Cotton Substrates for Bioaerosol Capture Including SARS-CoV-2,” authored by Kieran Collings, Cedric Boisdon, Tung-Ting Sham, Kevin Skinley, Hyun-Kyung Oh, Tessa Prince, Adham Ahmed, Shaun H. Pennington, Philip J. Brownridge, Thomas Edwards, Giancarlo A. Biagini, Claire E. Eyers, Amanda Lamb, Peter Myers, and Simon Maher, published on 18 August 2023 in Nature Communications.
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40696-x
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about groundbreaking material
What institution is behind the development of the new material for face masks?
The University of Liverpool is the institution responsible for developing the new material designed to improve the efficiency of face masks in capturing coronavirus particles.
Who are the key researchers involved in this project?
The key researchers involved are Professor Peter Myers, a leading figure in the field of chromatography, and Dr. Simon Maher, an expert in mass spectrometry.
In what journal was the research published?
The research findings were published in the scholarly journal Nature Communications.
How much more efficient is this new material compared to conventional face mask materials?
The new material has demonstrated a 93% increase in trapping proteins, including those related to the coronavirus, compared to conventional face mask materials.
Is the material only applicable for face masks?
No, the material has also shown promise in air filters used in various settings, including airplanes, automobiles, and air conditioning systems.
What is the primary feature of this new material that enables enhanced efficiency?
The material has been engineered to have a highly adhesive surface that is effective in capturing the S1 spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
What is the current stage of this material’s development?
The material is currently at the proof-of-concept stage, and further tests and studies are underway to explore its broader applications.
Did the research team collaborate with any other institutions?
Yes, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine was also involved in the research project.
What is the potential scope of application for this material beyond COVID-19?
According to Professor Peter Myers, the material has extensive potential to capture a wide range of bioaerosols, including new COVID variants like BA.2.86, influenzas, and other lethal viruses such as Nipah.
What method did the researchers use to affix the new material to conventional face masks?
The research group developed a technique to attach the adhesive particles, made of the new material, onto the surface of a standard face mask.
More about groundbreaking material
- University of Liverpool Official Website
- Nature Communications Journal
- CDC Guidelines on Face Masks
- World Health Organization on COVID-19
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
- Chromatography Explained
- Introduction to Mass Spectrometry
- Information on Bioaerosols
- SARS-CoV-2 Virus Structure
8 comments
Honestly, we need this like yesterday. So many lives could be saved, not just from covid but other viruses too.
This new material sounds amazing. what i wanna know is, is it gonna be affordable? Science is great but not if it’s only for the rich.
Really intrigued by the other applications like air filters in planes and cars. thats next level!
With the variants coming up, this couldn’t have come at a better time. Big ups to the research team!
Great article! would love to know more bout the science behind this, like how they made the surface “sticky” for the virus.
Wow, this is groundbreaking stuff! can’t believe they managed to up the efficiency by 93%. Is it gonna be out in the market soon?
93% more efficient, thats huge. Hope it gets to production stage soon. We need all the help we can get.
Incredible research from the Univ. of Liverpool. Professor Myers and Dr. Maher are doing awesome work! But how long till we see this on shelves?