Scientists at the University of São Paulo (USP) found that the mask created to prevent contagion against Covid-19 is also effective against the flu virus, the influenza, which causes infection of the respiratory system with high mortality among vulnerable groups. The information comes from the São Paulo Research Foundation Agency (FAPESP).
Already sold under the name Phitta Mask, the product was developed at the Institute of Chemistry of the University of São Paulo (IQ-USP) in partnership with the company Golden Technology.
The mask fabric is impregnated with a chemical compound, Phtalox, capable of eliminating viral particles the moment they come into contact with the mask. In a matter of seconds, the outermost layer of the virus is destroyed, preventing its replication.
Between 2020 and 2021, the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB-USP) carried out tests that proved its effectiveness (99%) against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants omicron, delta, gamma (P1) and zeta (P2). Finally, tests showed that the mask was also effective against types A and B of influenza, according to virologist Edison Luiz Durigon, a researcher at the ICB-USP supported by FAPESP and coordinator of the analyses.
“The results of the lab tests make us very comfortable. The mask eliminated 100% of the viruses, both influenza A and influenza B. This is very important because it is a disease with high mortality, especially among pregnant women, the elderly and children,” he said.
The tests were carried out in microplates containing the cell cultures, where the viruses were cultivated. Pieces of the fabric of the mask were then placed in contact with the viruses, when they were completely inactivated under a microscope, unlike the control tests (plaques with only the viruses).
“As in the case of the coronavirus, Phtalox also remains active for up to 12 hours, providing protection against influenza throughout this period”, explains the researcher.
Durigon believes that in the future there will be seasonal and interspersed outbreaks of Covid-19 and influenza.
“Therefore, it is important that society continues to wear a mask, especially in higher risk environments, such as hospitals, public transport, airports and air travel.”
For the CEO of Phitta Mask, Sérgio Bertucci, the mask also plays an important role from an environmental point of view.
“While a conventional surgical mask needs to be changed every three hours, ours guarantees protection for up to 12 hours, which significantly reduces the amount of units discarded in the environment”, he comments.
| Sao Paulo