Methods and devices for preventing viral transmission

Inventors

Nagel, Michael • Maijer, Mary

Assignees

Arthrex Inc

Abstract

An apparatus includes multiple first reservoirs and multiple second reservoirs joined with a substrate. Selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface. Selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.

Core Innovation

The invention relates to bioelectric PPE/mask systems for preventing viral transmission by applying a multi-array matrix of biocompatible microcells and electrodes. The microcells and electrodes are configured to generate at least one of a low level electric field (LLEF) or low level electric current (LLEC) when applied to a subject’s mouth and nose. The system includes mask, hood, and air filter insert configurations, together with reusable, washable, reversible attachment arrangements and hydration or activation layers.

A core feature is that biocompatible electrodes include a first array comprising microcells formed from a first conductive material interspersed with a second array comprising microcells formed from a second conductive material. Microcells of the first and second conductive materials create at least one battery when contacted with an electrolytic solution, therefore spontaneously producing an electric current without the use of an external power source. In described examples, the reducing and oxidizing agents include Ag and Zn arranged as non-contacting arrays so that contact with electrolytic fluid activates spontaneous redox or voltaic cells producing microcurrents.

The document further describes antimicrobial and antiviral evaluation and mechanistic assays associated with the bioelectric device. Reported mechanistic discussion includes reduced zeta potential and aggregation effects, together with decreases in viral infectivity, including rapid loss of coronavirus infectivity after brief contact times using an electroceutical Ag/Zn fabric. Additional assays described include lentiviral pseudotype systems with observed elimination of lentiviral transduction and other infection or biofilm-related testing and wearability or clinical study framework.

Claims Coverage

The independent claim is directed to a method for lowering coronavirus infectivity by applying a mouth-and-nose device with biocompatible electrodes that generate LLEF and/or LLEC, where first and second conductive-material microcell arrays form at least one battery in an electrolytic solution to spontaneously produce electric current without external power. The claim set includes one independent inventive concept with dependent claims refining electrode roles and materials and adding substrate and mask securing structures; therefore, multiple inventive features are covered across the dependency chain.

Across the independent claim and its dependent refinements, the claimed protection centers on mouth-and-nose application of a device whose biocompatible microcell electrode arrays use two different conductive materials to form at least one battery in an electrolytic solution, thereby generating LLEF and/or LLEC and spontaneously producing electric current without external power. Dependent claims specify cathode and anode roles, example conductive materials, and structural substrate features including a mask and securing loops.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications