19/05/2020: CAVAN, IRELAND: Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have created a face mask material for immediate disinfection of pathogens. The university would like to work with an industry partner to further develop and possibly commercialize this work. PRESS RELEASE: Face masks are a vital piece of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers, separating them from infectious pathogens. Despite their protective nature, pathogens can build up and survive on their surface. Dr. Shanov and his team have developed a material that, when combined with standard filter material prevents the buildup of infectious pathogens on a face mask. The standard material still filters the pathogens as usual, but the incorporated material also disinfects the mask through thermal inactivation. It utilizes a small battery or low voltage stationary power supply to heat the filter, thereby inactivating pathogens. The filter material is simple to fabricate, breathable, and most importantly, able to inactivate pathogens quickly. Thus, the technology provides this personal protective equipment (PPE) the ability to disinfect while wearing or during storage downtime. This allows for effective and efficient reuse of face masks. CONTACT: Nicole Borghi, Marketing Consultant, TreMonti Consulting, LLC, St. Louis, MO, USA. Email: nborghi@tremonticonsulting.com Phone: (904)-887-1980.