Study of viral load reduction in disposable face masks upon UV-C exposure using RT-qPCR

Abstract

This research is designed to promote the long-term usage of surgical masks, proper disposal, environmental protection, controlled production and the developed UV-C chambers validation. Moreover, we sought to evaluate the effectiveness of our developed decontamination technique for surgical masks using UV-C irradiation, as there is no established guideline for the safe reuse of surgical masks. Masks were collected from the patients and included in the experiment if the presence of the Covid-19 virus was ensured. These used masks were treated with UV-C to decontaminate them and RT-qPCR analysis was used to determine whether the Covid-19 virus was present. The final evaluation was done by comparing the RT-qPCR results of before and after UV-C exposed samples. The established results are quite preferable and consistent with the hypothesis and the UV-C exposure rendered the Covid-19-causing genes inactive. Using the UV-C chamber to reuse the masks could be a new addition of technology in recent eras, which may ensure the rational use of masks.