It was a niche technology that found a natural outlet with the Covid-19 epidemic.
More than a simple prevention tool, like a classic mask, the treated fabric of Livinguard's masks has been shown to be antiviral and proactive, according to its Swiss designers and several laboratory tests.
Everything would play out at the molecular level between positive ions and negative ions from a virus or bacteria.
“The secret of masks: a cationic substance gives the tissue a positive charge and negatively charged viruses are naturally attracted to it.
Once in contact, the cell wall of the pathogen is destroyed.
Viruses are exploding, ”explains Sanjeev Swamy, the founder of the young Swiss startup.
Validated by tests
“Our treatment works without the chemical action of heavy metals and protects the mask both inside and out.
The virus cannot spread, ”adds Xavier Pailloux, the sales director of the Zug company.
Livinguard also puts forward 65,000 tests and a hundred patents that protect this process.
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First intended for professional use, this antiviral technology has been used in masks for the general public during confinement.
It was then validated by experiments carried out by the Free University of Berlin (Germany) on its action against SARS-CoV-2.
“The
C2-neu
treated tissue sample
can effectively render SARS-CoV-2 inactive.
The results show a reduction in contagiousness within a 6 hour period ”, explain their findings, researchers Uwe Rösler and Anika Friese.
"This means 99.9% elimination of the virus at the end of this period if we compare the sample to an untreated textile material."
Reusable and washable in cold water
Available commercially (24.90 euros) since this summer, the facial protection is intended to be durable and would replace 210 single-use masks.
“The mask is self-cleaning and washable in cold water, because the treatment on the three layers has already killed the pathogens.
It's more of a rinse to remove a stain than a real wash, ”says Xavier Pailloux.
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Produced in Portugal thanks to the fabric manufactured and processed in Switzerland, this European innovation for medical use has attracted export.
Singapore has already ordered 1 million masks, 500,000 of which were delivered in mid-October.
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Several other mask manufacturers are also interested in this technology for their models.
This is only one step for the Swiss company of around 100 employees.
It is already eyeing a larger and more sustainable market: equipping public transport seats with its antibacterial and antiviral fabric to slow down the next epidemic.