Development of a novel self-sanitizing mask prototype to combat the spread of infectious disease and reduce unnecessary waste

Abstract With the spread of COVID-19, significant emphasis has been placed on mitigation techniques such as mask wearing to slow infectious disease transmission. Widespread use face coverings revealed challenges contamination and waste, presenting an opportunity improve current technologies. In response, we have developed Auto-sanitizing Retractable Mask Optimized for Reusability (ARMOR). ARMOR is a novel, reusable covering that can be quickly disinfected using array ultraviolet C lamps contained within wearable case. A nanomembrane UVC sensor was used quantify intensity germicidal radiation at 18 different locations determine necessary exposure time inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in addition other viruses bacteria. After experimentation, it found successfully provided all areas will approximately 180 s, H1N1 Influenza 130 Mycobacterium tuberculosis 113 proving this design effective eliminating variety pathogens serve alternative traditional waste-producing disposable masks. The accessibility, ease use, speed sanitization supports wide application both clinical public settings.