The antibacterial protective mask was developed by Trang Kim Ly, an environment technology postgraduate at the HCM City Industry University. 

The invention of the nano silver protective mask brought Ly second prize from 2014 Eureka, a science & technology competition for university students organized by the HCM City Youth Union.

Ly said she thought of making protective masks with silver nano technology as the nanotechnology has been utilized on a large scale in many different fields, including medicine, biology, catalysis technology, information technology, optical, textiles and  cosmetics. Meanwhile, the silver nano technology has caught researchers’ special attention. 

Silver nano has many characteristics which are quite different from silver metal bullion with optical, magnetic and electrical properties. However, the most outstanding feature of silver nano is its anti-bacterial protection. Silver nano can sterilize over 650 types of bacteria within one minute.

Silver nanoparticles cannot be neutralized. The particles can help generate reactive oxygen in the air and in water, thus destroying the cell membrane of bacteria.

The outstanding features of silver nano prompted Ly think of creating protective masks made of silver nano.

“Most of the protective masks available now in the market can only help prevent dust and chemicals from entering people’s respiratory systems, while they cannot kill microorganisms and protect people from diseases transmitted through the respiratory system,” she said.

“Silver nano has been used widely for antibacterial purpose in medicine, water treatment and food preservation. Therefore, it can also be used for protective masks, why not?” she said.

Ly’s nano silver protective mask is designed to have three layers. The outer layer is made of conventional fabric, while the middle is 100 percent cotton fabric with silver nano cover which has antibacterial effects. The third layer is mesh which creates ventilation. The product uses silver nano-based chitosan, a type of biopolymer safe to people and friendly to the environment.

The product is durable and persistent after a lot of washing, and therefore, can be used many times thanks to the sustainable link between nano silver and cotton fabric.

After Ly found a satisfactory nano silver solution, she tried the solution with many different types of fabric, including cotton, non-woven fabric and CVC to test durability.

The product is being upgraded by the Radiation Technology Research & Deployment Center before it is launched on the market.

Kham Pha