IIT Delhi Start-Up Nanosafe Solutions, Launches ‘Reusable Antimicrobial Mask

Nanosafe’s Reusable Antimicrobial Mask

There has been an acute shortage of masks in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To contain transmission of coronavirus from one person to another, a face mask is considered as an important tool. However, a single-use mask is not a cost-effective solution for everyone now that every individual has been mandated to use a face mask regularly.

An antimicrobial and washable face mask “NSafe” has been launched by an IIT Delhi start-up “Nanosafe Solutions”, which greatly cuts down the cost of using masks as it is reusable up to 50 launderings.

The team consists of the Founder and CEO of Nanosafe Solutions Pvt. Ltd., an IIT Delhi Alumnus, Dr. Anasuya Roy, the Founder and Director of the start-up along with Prof. Mangala Joshi, Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, IIT Delhi.

NSafe mask is a highly engineered triple-layered product consisting of an outermost layer that repels water and oil, a middle layer having antimicrobial activity, and an inner hydrophilic layer for comfort.

NSafe mask complies with ASTM standards of breathability and splash resistance and has 99.2% bacterial filtration efficiency (at 3 microns). The mask is extremely breathable and comfortable. An adequate fit of the

mask is provided to the wearer by an elastic band in the chin region and wire in the nose region.

Prof. Mangala Joshi said, “In India, we believe this is the first fabric-based antimicrobial face mask launched which is reusable and washable. This mask conforms to ASTM standards and has very high bacterial filtration efficiency. It is engineered to have excellent comfort and breathability.”

Dr. Anasuya Roy said, “The mask is designed in such a way that it can be reused 50 times, thus maximizing durability and dimensional stability. As  single-use masks will cause huge disposal issues, effective reusability is an important factor.”

Through three different mechanisms, this NSafe mask enhances protection to the wearer: repulsion of aerosol droplets, antimicrobial decontamination, and mechanical filtration.

NSafe masks are packaged under hygienic conditions and are dry-cleaned before packaging. Using a mild detergent, the mask has to be hand-washed in cold water and dried thoroughly in the sunlight after each usage (approximately 8-9 hours). The mask must be put in the recyclable waste bin and it has to be disposed of in a sealed polyethylene bag after 50 usages.

This premium product, the NSafe mask’s cost is likely to be Rs. 589 (Pack of 4) and Rs. 299 (Pack of 2). Production of these masks has already started in the start-up.

 

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Nanosafe’s Reusable Antimicrobial Mask