In this interview, Dr. Gareth Cave speaks to AZoNano about how he has designed a new antiviral face mask that can kill viruses including COVID-19, on contact.
What provoked your research into nanotechnology and its potential role in COVID-19 and other viruses?
I have been working in nanotechnology for nearly two decades now, everything from cancer therapies to iron-enriched potatoes. When the pandemic first hit, we started making hand sanitizer for the NHS, care homes, and local businesses, but all the time I was thinking about what other ways we could make a difference.
Then, Innovate UK opened a funding call, for scientists like me to prime some research that may make a difference. That then enabled me and the team at Pharm2Farm to test the antiviral properties of our nanomaterials, and then quickly move the technology forward to incorporate it into an antiviral face mask.
Pharm2farm uses a patented process for producing and functionalising nanoparticles for various applications including human, animal and crop health. Pharm2farm is a wholly owned subsidiary of Remote Monitored Systems (LON:RMS).