SciTechDaily: Silk offers homemade solution for COVID-19
UC biologist Patrick Guerra found that silk prevents infection better than other fabrics
SciTechDaily highlighted a study by the University of Cincinnati that concluded that silk masks were better at preventing infection from COVID-19 than cotton or synthetic fibers.
UC assistant professor Patrick Guerra and postdoctoral researcher Adam Parlin found that in the absence of a single-use N95 respirator or a surgical mask, homemade masks made of silk were a good alternative. Silk face masks are comfortable, breathable and repel moisture, which is a desirable trait in fighting an airborne virus.
Silkworms that eat mulberry leaves produce silk containing copper, which has natural virus-killing properties.
The study was published in the journal PLOS One.
“We’re trying to address this critical problem. Health care workers still don’t have enough personal protective equipment, namely N95 respirators or basic surgical masks,” Guerra said.
Featured image at top: UC tested face masks on styrofoam heads. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II/UC Creative + Brand
UC assistant professor of biology Patrick Guerra's work with moths and butterflies inspired his research into silk masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo/Lisa Ventre/UC Creative + Brand
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