Scientists at Nara Medical University in Japan, in collaboration with coating tech firm Yamato Shinku-Kougyo Co., have developed a copper alloy treated mask that protects the wearer against COVID-19.

To create the copper-infused nonwoven surgical mask, the team sprayed a copper alloy coating layer on an existing mask using a vapor deposition technique. This coating formed a thin membrane across the entire surface of the mask, according to developers.

Source: JISSource: JIS

The researchers turned to copper for its reported antiviral properties and specifically for its ability to inactivate COVID-19.

The mask, called the Yamato Shinku Mask Premium, has reportedly met Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) and has demonstrated its ability to disable COVID-19 in the lab.

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