The first textile and reusable face mask with a proven ability to neutralise the coronavirus has been created in Portugal, in a joint business, academic and scientific venture.
According to a press statement the MOxAd-Tech mask has “successfully passed the tests carried out by the João Lobo Antunes Institute of Molecular Medicine, making it the first mask capable of neutralising the SARS-CoV-2 virus.”
Made by Adalberto, the retailer of the Sonae Fashion (Mo) group, in conjunction with the Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, the Technological Centre of the Textile and Clothing Industries of Portugal and the University of Minho, this joint project “was developed through the cooperation between members of the business community, academics and scientists who through their combined knowledge have been able to develop a ‘high performance reusable mask which is made of antimicrobial fabric and offers even greater protection against the virus.’
Pedro Simas, a researcher and virologist at the institute, explained that the “tests on the MOxAdtech mask revealed an effective neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 even after 50 washes. Tests carried out in accordance with international parameters revealed a 99% reduction in viral activity after one hour of contact with the virus.
The masks are produced in Portugal and are already on sale for 10 euros in Mo Stores in selected Continente super markets throughout Madeira. The masks can also be purchased online at mo-online.com, and are available in white or black material.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
