Technology
After Over 2 Years of R & D
We've combined the best of form and function to create a mask that's truly game-changing.
VeraShield XP Design
The VeraShield XP is a patented active face mask which makes it fundamentally different from a static filter like the N95 or its equivalent. Our multi-layer activated technology is supported by scientific studies on each of the elements and processes we utilize in the VeraShield XP.
The VeraShield XP consists of four distinct layers designed to actively interact with viruses and bacteria. This process is far more advantageous compared with passive filtering techniques (as found in most face masks) which may still allow active pathogens to be inhaled.
Our Technology
The outer layer is a unique copper-coated material followed by a nylon mesh, a polyester mesh, and finally a silver comfort membrane. The concept behind VeraShield XP is known as the Oligodynamic Effect, the principle being that electrostatic forces puncture the outer viral coat allowing copper ions to enter and destroy the RNA and DNA, preventing further replication, hence preventing infection. (see references below). These are the scientific principles upon which we designed the VeraShield XP face mask.
The effectiveness of VeraShield XP is enhanced by the Triboelectric effect, which is when two or more different materials repeatedly collide with or rub against, one another, accumulating an electrostatic charge. The design is such that the four layers become a Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG) which enhances the electrostatic properties of the face shield for greater interaction.
A further advantage of this design is improved breathability which is achieved by the selection of porous materials that form the components of VeraShield XP. The combination of these porous materials allows the air to flow freely through the front of the face shield with minimal restriction.
The silver comfort layer next to the face provides an antimicrobial surface which is designed to destroy any bacteria which may be produced in such a moist environment.”
"References supporting that copper, silver, and materials producing a triboelectric generated effect, have been scientifically determined to actively disrupt bacteria, and viruses including Coronavirus.*
The use of copper in a shield and/or as an antimicrobial barrier:
- Vincent, M., Duval, R. E., Hartemann, P., & Engels-Deutsch, M. (2018). Contact killing and antimicrobial properties of copper. Journal of Applied Microbiology,124(5), 1032–1046.https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.13681
- The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have accepted the registration of copper surfaces for use against coronavirus and other viruses. SeeSalah, I., Parkin, I. P., & Allan, E. (2021). Copper as an antimicrobial agent: recent advances. RSC Advances, 11(30), 18179–18186.https://doi.org/10.1039/d1ra02149d, and US EPA, O. (2021, February 10).EPA Registers Copper Surfaces for Residual Use Against Coronavirus. Www.epa.gov.https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-registers-copper-surfaces-residual-use-against-coronavirus.
- Grass, G., Rensing, C., & Solioz, M. (2010). Metallic Copper as an Antimicrobial Surface.Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 77(5), 1541–1547.https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.02766-10
- Laboratory, A. (n.d.).Scientists use copper nanowires to combat the spread of diseases.Phys.org.https://phys.org/news/2022-07-scientists-copper-nanowires-combat-diseases.html
- Morrison, J. (2020, April 14). Copper’s Virus-Killing Powers Were Known Even to the Ancients (The SARS-CoV-2 virus endures for days on plastic or metal but disintegrates soon after landing on copper surfaces. Here’s why).Smithsonian Magazine.https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/copper-virus-kill-180974655/
The use of silver in a shield and/or as an antimicrobial barrier:
- Tan, G. Z., Orndorff, P. E., & Shirwaiker, R. A. (2018). The Ion Delivery Manner Influences the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Silver Oligodynamic Iontophoresis.Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering, 39(4), 622–631.https://doi.org/10.1007/s40846-018-0447-1
- Sim, W., Barnard, R. T., Blaskovich, M. A. T., & Ziora, Z. M. (2018). Antimicrobial Silver in Medicinal and Consumer Applications: A Patent Review of the Past Decade (2007–2017). Antibiotics, 7(4).https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics7040093
- Jeremiah, S. S., Miyakawa, K., Morita, T., Yamaoka, Y., & Ryo, A. (2020). Potent antiviral effect of silver nanoparticles on SARS-CoV-2.Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 533(1), 195–200.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.09.018
- Teirumnieks, E., Balchev, I., Singh Ghalot, R., & Lazov, L. (2020, December 14). Antibacterial and anti-viral effects of silver nanoparticles in medicine against COVID-19—a review [Review of Antibacterial and anti-viral effects of silver nanoparticles in medicine against COVID-19—a review]. IopScience. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1555-6611/abc873
The use of a Triboelectric Effect:
- Scientists develop virus-blocking textile that effectively repulses SARS-CoV-2. (2022, March 18). News-Medical.net. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20220318/Scientists-develop-virus-blocking-textile-that-effectively-repulses-SARS-CoV-2.aspx
- Arbeitman, C. R., Rojas, P., Ojeda-May, P., & Garcia, M. E. (2021). The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is vulnerable to moderate electric fields.Nature Communications, 12(1).https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-25478-7
- Design of a self-powered triboelectric face mask. (2021). Nano Energy, 79, 105387.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2020.105387
- Triboelectricity can boost the efficiency and lifetime of filter masks. (2021, May 26). Physics World. https://physicsworld.com/a/triboelectricity-can-boost-the-efficiency-and-lifetime-of-filter-masks/
Other articles:
- The environmental toll of disposable masks, July 20, 2021: https://news.mit.edu/2021/covid-masks-environment-0720
- The Harmful Environmental Impacts of Disposable Masks, Mar 6, 2022: https://www.pghr.org/post/the-harmful-environmental-impacts-of-disposable-masks
*Note: All links cited (and active) as of November 21, 2022.