BioMask will be your best friend while air traveling

24 Jul '09

6 min read

The BioMask is based on an "intelligent filtration" technology and is fabricated from a scientifically designed and tested multilayer material which has in its internal structure a unique active layer which has highly targeted anti-microbial properties. This active layer aggressively detects, traps, and then rapidly kills pathogens, within minutes of contact.

This patented BioFriend textile layer CAPTURES pathogens by mimicking the sites on human cells to which they normally attach, then quickly DESTROYS them by disrupting their surfaces (viruses) and cell walls (bacteria). Many viruses, including influenza viruses, are known to bind to a terminal sialic acid residue on the surface of the human cell membrane. The binding agent in the BioFriend textile mimics the binding action of sialic acid on influenza viruses.

Typical face masks (including standard surgical masks and N95s) do not kill airborne pathogens. They are based on a passive mechanical filtration design only. Thus, microbes on or inside the mask can stay alive for many hours, greatly increasing the likelihood of cross-contamination. When compared to the tight-fitting N95 face mask, the BioMask is far superior in terms of efficacy, comfort and breathability.

As part of the CE testing process, the BioMask was sprayed with live aerosolized Influenza A virus equivalent to 50 times the amount contained in a normal sneeze. (The H1N1 swine flu is a strain of the Influenza A virus.) More than 99.9% of the viruses were killed after less than one minute. Similar tests were conducted on other key pathogens, with similar results. When the BioMask was tested in terms of all the major routes of exposure, oral, dermal and inhalation, it showed no harmful effects on humans. The BioMask has been tested for dermal biocompatibility following internationally recognized standards set out in ISO10933: Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices. Tests were conducted to evaluate cytotoxicity to cells, skin irritation on contact, and skin sensitization after repeated contact. No cytotoxicity, irritation or incidence of sensitization was observed.

By complying with the European Community's Medical Devices Directive 93/42/EEC, Filligent has met the stringent EU requirements for design, efficacy and safety of its innovative, germ-killing BioMask. The BioMask is also TGA-certified, meaning it has met or exceeded similar requirements in Australia.

In 2008, Filligent developed a revolutionary technology, called BioFriend, which kills viruses and bacteria on contact.

BioFriend kills germs including those that cause Influenza A (including pandemic strains such as H1N1), Herpes Simplex, rhinovirus, common colds, measles, pneumonia, SARS, tuberculosis, streptococcus, and MRSA. By targeting only the dangerous elements, BioFriend's intelligent filtration technology optimizes breathability and comfort.

Filligent is a Hong Kong biotech company that developsadvanced and affordable 'intelligent filtration' technologies designed to combat the transmission of diseases. Using biochemistry at the molecular level, its proprietary technologies seek out dangerous pathogens and chemicals, from air, water, and from off surfaces - including the human skin, killing or inactivating them before they enter the human body.

Filligent (HK) Limited