As the liquid from the droplets evaporates, the salt crystals grow back as spiky weapons, damaging the bacteria or virus within five minutes, Rubino said. "We know that after the pathogens are collected in the mask, they can survive. Rubino, who collaborated with a researcher at Georgia State University in Atlanta to advance the project she started five years ago, was recognized Tuesday with an innovation award from Mitacs, a Canadian non-profit. The salt-coated mask is expected to be available commercially next year after regulatory approval. "It's going to decrease the footprint for making and distributing and then disposing of every mask," Clase said, adding that the mask could also address any supply issues.

Source: CBC News November 24, 2020 15:00 UTC