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Researchers from the City University of Hong Kong have produced graphene masks with an anti-bacterial efficiency of 80 per cent, which they say can be raised to almost 100 per cent with exposure to sunlight for 10 minutes. Graphene Mask Inactivates Coronaviruses will help in producing mask. 

Graphene Mask Inactivates Coronaviruses Study

• Graphene is known for anti-bacterial properties.
• The researchers created a laser-induced form of graphene and tested it on E-coli.
  • It showed anti-bacterial efficiency of about 82 per cent.
  • Most of the E coli were dead after 8 hours.
• The laser-induced graphene also showed a superior anti-bacterial capacity for aerosolised bacteria.
• Test on Human Corona Virus
  • Initial tests on two human coronavirus species showed the graphene inactivated over 90 per cent of the virus in five minutes
  • Almost 100 per cent in 10 minutes under sunlight.
• The graphene masks are easily produced at low cost, and can help to resolve the problems of sourcing raw materials and disposing of non-biodegradable masks.
  • The production of laser-induced graphene as a green technique.
• All carbon-containing materials, such as cellulose or paper, can be converted into graphene using this technique.
  • The conversion can be carried out under ambient conditions without using chemicals other than the raw materials, nor causing pollution.
  • Laser-induced graphene masks are reusable.
  • If biomaterials are used for producing graphene, it can help to resolve the problem of sourcing raw material for masks
• Exact mechanism of graphene’s bacteria-killing property is yet to be identified. Primary evidence shows
  • Damage of bacterial cell membranes by graphene’s sharp edge
  • The bacteria may be killed by dehydration induced by the water-repelling property of graphene.

Source : Indian Express

Topic

GS III : Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

Current Affairs Compilation : 15 September 2020