# A biomedical engineer created a mask coated in salt that he says could neutralize viruses like the coronavirus in 5 minutes

- Link: https://www.widthness.com/a-biomedical-engineer-created-a-mask-coated-in-salt-that-he-says-could-neutralize-viruses-like-the-coronavirus-in-5-minutes/
- Published: 2020-02-09T09:30:45-06:00
- Author: Curated by Theresa Wysocki

Photo caption: Hyo-Jick Choi (right) and Ilaria Rubin (left). Kendra Titley Medical face masks can block some germs, but germs also linger on their surfaces. Researchers say they&#8217;ve created a new type of face mask with a salt coating that can neutralize germs. The technology has been tested on three influenza strains. [&#8230;] Viruses and other pathogens travel either through the air; in droplets such as saliva or phlegm from coughing, sneezing, speaking, or breathing; or on surfaces. [&#8230;] But when a virus-carrying droplet encounters a mask coated in Choi&#8217;s salt solution, he says, it begins to absorb the salt. Then once the liquid evaporates, all that remains is the virus and the crystallized salt — which slices through the virus, neutralizing it. [&#8230;] Click here to view original web page at www.businessinsider.com Curated by Theresa Wysocki See Full Bio