The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a surge in people wearing single use items such as face masks and gloves.
The proliferation of such disposable personal protective equipment has raised major concerns about the environmental toll created.
But a team from Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi may have the answer. Researchers there have developed a prototype of a biodegradable, environmentally-friendly face mask with nanofibers that will have strong anti-microbial properties.
Known as "navamask", it can be reused several times before disposal.
The project was the result of a collaboration between Khalifa University and University of Salerno in Italy.
"The innovation ... reflects not only Khalifa University's continuous commitment to finding solutions that directly contribute to serving the society, but also the result of the university’s funding of fourteen research projects directly related to mitigating the pandemic," said Dr Arif Al Hammadi, executive vice president at Khalifa University.
"This innovation reaffirms our research efforts to develop areas that focus on issues related to the community in general, especially those that help find a solution to Covid-19."
Shadi Hasan, associate professor at Khalifa University and one of the team's members, said they believed there was a crucial need for an environment-friendly alternative to the current face masks, while maintaining the highest safety standards and breathability.
The filters aim to provide effective protection and avoid skin irritation while being safe for the environment. Its strong anti-microbial properties remove 99 per cent of bacteria, researchers said.
The next step is starting the second phase of design, which aims to improve the mask even more.
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A room at Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham JBR being sanitized. Reem Mohammed / The National -
A barcode is scanned for contactless service at Ramada Hotel and Suites by Wyndham Dubai JBR. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Only 5 are allowed inside the pool at the same time, as part of the covid safety measures taken at Ramada Hotel and Suites by Wyndham Dubai JBR. Reem Mohammed/The National -
Residents are required to use their elbows for the elevator buttons at Ramada Hotel and Suites by Wyndham Dubai JBR. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Sanitization measures employed at Maze Taco’s located in Jumeirah Lake Towers. A delivery driver first sanitizes his transportation bag before packing an outgoing order. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Socially distanced seating that is regularly sanitized and allows for online ordering and payment, at Maze Taco’s located in Jumeirah Lake Towers. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Viviane from The Camel Farm in Dubai feeds a deer. Covid-19 safety measures are in place at all public areas across the country. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Viviane feeds a donkey at The Camel Farm in Dubai, where safety measures are in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Yannick from The Camel Farm feeds a rabbit. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Yannick feeds a camel at The Camel Farm in Dubai, where safety measures are in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
People enter Emirates Towers Metro Station in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Chef New adheres to safety measures while preparing vegetable spring rolls at a Dubai restaurant. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A visitor admires the paintings at Anyahh Popular Art in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Physical distancing signs are displayed at a children's play area in Zabeel Park, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
A petrol station attendant wears a face mask in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
A petrol station attendant wears a face mask in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
No sitting stickers pasted on the benches at Zabeel Park in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
A notice from Dubai Municipality outside Zabeel Park reminds the public to wear face masks. Pawan Singh / The National -
Green spots such as Zabeel Park have implemented safety measures to help protect the health of visitors. Pawan Singh / The National -
A sign placed on a bench at Zabeel Park reminds visitors that sitting is prohibited. Pawan Singh / The National -
Stickers on the floor of Zabeel Park in Dubai remind the public to wear face masks. Pawan Singh / The National
