The Elements of Innovation Discovered
The Elements of Innovation Discovered
Rome scientists confirm G+ diminishes SARS-CoV-2 virus in lab Metal Tech News - August 17, 2020
In addition to antiviral properties, G+ Co-masks have been certified for high filtration performance and breathability ease.
Directa Plus has the supply chain capacity to produce up to 100,000 COVID-19 killing Graphene Plus Co-masks per day.
Italy-based Directa Plus says the coronavirus killing properties of its graphene-enhanced COVID-19 masks have been confirmed by scientists in Rome.
Already independently certified as antiviral by ISO, an international standard-setting organization based in Switzerland, a mask with the company's Graphene Plus, or G+, antiviral graphene has been on sale since June.
"Most of the other masks are currently not able to inactivate the virus but they are able to just decrease the probability of infection by reducing the droplets that are passing through the mask," Directa Plus CEO Giulio Cesareo said during an Aug. 14 interview with Proactive Investors.
In addition to antibacterial, Directa Plus' Co-mask has received other independent certifications for filtration performance, and breathability.
Working with the Gemelli Hospital, researchers at the Catholic University of Rome have been studying the Co-mask, a cloth mask imbued with G+ graphene
While Graphene Plus formula has already been certified as antibacterial by ISO, the testing by the Catholic University of Rome is focused specifically on SARS-CoV-2, the particular coronavirus strain responsible for COVID-19.
Preliminary results demonstrate that the graphene-enhanced fabrics used to make the masks significantly diminishes SARS-CoV-2 in lab tests.
"These preliminary results confirm that the application of our technology can significantly enhance facemask efficacy and can help to reduce the spreading of SARS-CoV-2," said Cesareo.
Research facilities around the globe are coming to the same conclusion – the graphene is an effective killer of viruses and bacteria.
Virus killing graphene
Made from a single layer of carbon atoms linked in a hexagonal pattern, graphene has grabbed headlines as a "miracle material" with immense strength and high conductivity. This 2D material has also been proven to upset the function of the membranes of bacteria and viruses such as COVID-19 due to its sharp edges and the oxidative stress, which is the same function as hydrogen peroxide, it induces.
Canada-based GrapheneCA has incorporated these virucidal and antimicrobial inherent to graphene properties into a line of coatings designed to prevent the spread of disease on high-touch surfaces in public spaces.
Independent testing has shown these graphene-improved epoxy coatings are 99.9% effective in making surfaces bacteria proof, according to ASTM International testing protocol.
G-Form, an athletic protective equipment manufacturer in the U.S., is treating sports gear and apparel with a silver nanoparticle-graphene oxide ink developed by Graphene Composites that captures and kills coronavirus droplets that spread from an infected person.
Early results from tests carried out at the ImPaKT laboratory at Western University in Canada found that a silver nanoparticle-graphene oxide ink is effective in slowing the replication of the COVID-19 virus strain.
Masks and beyond
Directa's G+ product is made from pure graphene that is produced without the use of chemicals or solvents. Meaning the graphene-enhance jersey, cotton and filters that go into the Co-mask are skin-friendly and non-toxic.
"Our G+ graphene solutions are non-toxic and environmentally sustainable, overcoming the health and other problems associated with current ion-metal or halogen treatments," Cesareo said.
With the capacity to produce up to 100,000 masks per day, the Directa CEO said the company is in early talks with potential Co-mask distribution partners in the European Union and U.S.
Cesareo hopes the demand for G+ antiviral masks quickly wanes alongside the spread of COVID-19. The company, however, sees the same technology installed in ventilation systems capturing and killing bacteria and viruses in autos and buildings.
"Everybody hopes that the masks will be utilized for a very short time, but this is a solid and continuous business opportunity in the vertical area of air conditioning," said the Directa Plus CEO.
G+ graphene is already used in a wide range of products, including oil-absorbent environmental remediation products, durable asphalts, and automotive and bicycle tires.
A scientific paper detailing the results from Catholic University of Rome testing of the G+ graphene-enhanced Co-mask is expected to be published soon.
With more than 16 years of covering mining, Shane is renowned for his insights and and in-depth analysis of mining, mineral exploration and technology metals.
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