SINTX Technologies Develops New Mask Fabric with Silicon Nitride

October 9, 2020

On Tuesday, SINTX Technologies (SINTX) announced progress toward the manufacture of a “catch-and-kill” mask that will inactivate respiratory viruses. SINTX has successfully embedded silicon nitride particles into nonwoven and woven fabric fibers. Silicon nitride has been shown to neutralize several bacterial species and viral strains, including SARS-CoV-2. 

“By investing in our human resources and equipment, we expedited this development in-house, rather than relying on outside parties,” said Dr. Bal, President, and CEO of SINTX Technologies. “Previous scientific data have shown that silicon nitride strongly inactivates SAR-CoV-2, the virus causing the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Looking ahead, manufacturing and scale-up are next steps. The company believes that the consumer market for a face mask capable of inactivating bacteria and viruses is not limited to concerns about the coronavirus.

“The rapid progress SINTX is making toward development of these antiviral, antibacterial masks is significant,” said Kelvyn Cullimore, president and CEO of BioUtah. “Its applications extend far beyond COVID19 and Utah’s life sciences community is cheering you on.”

SINTX Technologies is an OEM ceramics company that develops and commercializes silicon nitride for medical and non-medical applications.