UK supplier develops anti-microbial silicone for Covid masks 

Blackburn, UK – Silicone Engineering Ltd has launched a new “groundbreaking” anti-microbial silicones material for Covid-19 face shields used by healthcare, retail and hospitality workers.

A proven silver ion technology is at the core of neutraSil, making it highly efficient at inhibiting bacterial growth, said Silicone Engineering in a 1 July statement.

The material releases a stream of silver ions which inhibit growth of bacteria cells by disabling their proton pumps and interfering with sulfhydryl proteins. 

This process disrupts cell wall synthesis and therefore the bacteria’s functioning, explained the Blackburn-based silicones specialist.

Whilst the technology does not kill Covid-19, it inhibits the growth of other potentially life-threatening bacteria like the super-bug MRSA, E-Coli, Salmonella.

The silicone material is currently used as the head strap and the protective cushion at the forehead, according to the UK supplier.