STRATEGY

Universal, reusable virus/bacteria inactivating respiratory devices

A-BaVi Protect Inc will develop respiratory protection equipment by using its unique antimicrobial technologies. In 2016, Dr. Choi (the founder) filed a patent on the salt recrystallization-based antimicrobial technology. His team at the University of Alberta has demonstrated that salt-coated filters can quickly inactivate different types of influenza virus (PR/34 H1N1, VN/04 H5N1, CA/09 H1N1) within 5-30 minutes upon contact, offering broad-spectrum protection. A-BaVi Protec will continue to develop new antimicrobial technologies, and apply them to commercialize universal and reusable, pathogen inactivating respiratory devices.

Respiratory disease transmission

Different-sized droplets/aerosols take a prominent role in transmission of respiratory diseases (airborne: aerosol size < 5µm). Depending on their size, the route of infection can be different.
To control respiratory diseases, two representative respiratory devices, surgical masks and respirators, have been employed to protect individuals against respiratory diseases.

Respiratory disease control measures

Different-sized droplets/aerosols take a prominent role in transmission of respiratory diseases. Depending on their size, the route of infection can be different.
To control respiratory diseases, two representative respiratory devices, surgical masks and respirators, have been employed to protect individuals against respiratory diseases.

Status of Current Technology

Current face masks are not designed for disinfection and reuse, and are recommended for single use only.
To date, limited scientific efforts have been focused on improving face masks to prevent transmission of droplet/airborne infectious diseases. Even lab-level approaches, such as use of antimicrobial metallic compounds or carbon-based materials cannot be employed in respiratory devices because of fundamental issues such as toxicity and scalability limits.

Pandemic Preparedness

Respiratory protection is crucial for pandemic/epidemic preparedness in the context of personal protection, healthcare systems, and governance.
Antimicrobial face masks permit the reuse of masks/respirators, increase protection for healthcare providers and the public against respiratory diseases, and reduce risk of contact transmission.

Virus/bacteria Inactivation By Salt-coated Fibers

Step 1: aerosols collect on salt-coated fibers
Step 2: aerosols dissolve salt on fibers
Step 3: supersaturation, followed by salt crystallization as aerosols evaporate
Growing crystals destroy pathogens during recrystallization process.

Salt-coated mask filter

Have no concern over the toxicity of materials due to the use of biocompatible and safe salts
Have strain-nonspecific protective efficacy (thus, no concern over a mutant generation)
May be safely reused
Resolve concerns over the shortage of mask/respirators during pandemics
Can be manufactured with a minor change in current mask/respirator production processes

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