Young scientists of the Federal Research Center "Krasnoyarsk Science Center of the SB RAS" developed replaceable filters made of nanofibers for respirator masks, to trap infectious particles less than 100 nanometers in size.

Self-cleaning filters for masks are made in the form of a stained glass structure, which will not let viruses through and will provide 99% respiratory protection. The filter made of nanofibers connected to a metal micro-mesh is placed in a respirator mask. This allows an electrical impulse to pass through it, which cleans the membrane surface. To supply electricity, a heating element is embedded in the filter, operating at a voltage of 5 volts. The filter itself is distinguished by nanoporosity and micron thickness of the porous layer, which makes it possible to retain the smallest particles without creating great resistance to breathing.

The project led by Airaana Kuular, a postgraduate student, junior researcher at the Krasnoyarsk Science Center of SB RAS, received 500 thousand roubles at the competition "Clever" held by the Innovation Promotion Foundation.

“Most competing aerosol filters are capable of capturing 2.5 micrometer particles. However, these filters do not impede the passage of particles with smaller diameters, such as viruses or soot. That is why an idea arose to develop another design capable of trapping particles smaller than 100 nanometers in size. Such a mask will become an excellent means of protection for doctors and patients not only during the period of influenza and acute viral infections, but also for miners who constantly need respiratory protection, ”says the supervisor of the project, Airaana Kuular.

By the moment, the researchers under the leadership of Mikhail Simunin, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Siberian Federal University, Leading Engineer of the Department of Molecular Electronics of KSC SB RAS, have created the first series of innovative filters. In the future, the innovation is planned to be offered for production to such companies as Briz-Kama, Respiratory Complex, Spirotek and PITTA MASK.

“This project is an excellent example of youth participation in major projects in the field of fundamental and applied research. As a result of the work of the research team, we expect to obtain a demanded product which is aimed at solving specific problems and has the potential for our market. This is one of the important tasks for all the projects, namely  to enter the real sector of the economy, "says Roman Arsentiev, Deputy Executive Director of KRITBI (Krasnoyarsk Regional Innovation and Technology Business Incubator), being the  official representative of the Innovation Promotion Fund.