On this episode, Dr. Chris Arnusch joins me to discuss some of his research work in the fight against COVID-19. With the worldwide focus on coronavirus prevention and transmission, a new type of air-filter that self-sterilizes and decontaminates is being developed at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel based on water filtration technology.

This new nanotechnology is based on laser-induced graphene (LIG) water filters that eliminate viruses and bacteria in water. This new concept, engineered for air-filtration could be used in air filters in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. It could also be integrated into face masks for a self-sterilizing effect. Most masks like the N95 can become contamination risks during usage if not properly handled. 

LIG is a microporous graphene foam that can be generated on many types of materials and is already resistant to bacteria and actively kills microbes and viruses using a low-level electric current from a power source.

Dr Chris Arnusch and his group of researchers envision the two-fold protective system applied to air-filtration offering a new solution in our fight against COVID-19.