A patented filtration material from Senturion+  has been proven to block and inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus with a 98.8 percent removal efficacy rate. Scientists from the Battelle Memorial Institute,  a private nonprofit applied science and technology laboratory, tested Viruend™ in a composited paper media against live SARS-CoV-2 with the result that it significantly exceeds the filtration capabilities of standard N95 masks.

Battelle evaluated the filtration efficacy of Viruend and reported it “achieved 98.8 percent removal of infectious SARS-CoV-2 as compared to 65.4 percent removal in a concurrent [Viruend] control filter.” The report further stated: “[Results] may indicate that the 1.4 to 1.6 log reduction of infectious virus achieved in the eluent samples (as compared to the control eluents) is the result of mechanical inactivation.”

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A joint development partnership with Wenzhou Celecare Medical Instruments Co. integrated the meso-material as a filtration and antiviral layer in KN-95 respirators. (Credit: Senturion+)

By comparison, a University of Tokyo test of standard N95 masks against live SARS-CoV-2 concluded the masks blocked between 57 percent and 79 percent of the virus. Unlike the Battelle test, the study did not test inactivation of SARS-CoV-2.

Previous independent tests of Viruend against the MS2 and TMV viruses and E. coli bacteria reached 99.999 percent filtration efficiency, positioning it to increase the effectiveness of masks and air filters to block viruses and bacteria.

“Viruend can be a game-changer for manufacturers of masks, HEPA air filters, and other air-filtration material designed to protect against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses,” says Senturion+ CEO Ted Liu. “Recent reports from the CDC and EPA identify airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus as the most common route of spreading COVID-19. We are eager to partner with filtration companies to deploy this potentially life-saving medical countermeasure against the spread of COVID-19, its mutations, and future infectious viruses.”

According to the Battelle report, the 98.8 percent live virus removal efficiency corroborates a previous Viruend test conducted by researchers at Zhejiang University’s BSL-3 in Hangzhou, China. “The Battelle, Zhejiang University and Tokyo results are important because they tested filtration material against live SARS-CoV-2 virus, whereas other materials now in use only tested against salt particles to simulate the virus,” says Liangjie Dong, chief scientist at Senturion+. “The finding of virus inactivation indicates in-situ decontamination.”

Viruend was initially developed to remove arsenic, lead, and other heavy metals from wastewater and groundwater, the effectiveness of which has been certified by the National Sanitation Foundation. Current applications include consumer drinking water filtration and mining effluence remediation, as well as viral absorption in respirators, PPE, and air filters.

Senturion+ is seeking strategic licensing, manufacturing, and distribution partners who can quickly scale solutions to meet the rising global demand for the multiple market applications that Viruend addresses.