University of New South Wales (Australia)

University of New South Wales (UNSW)

UNSW Sydney is a powerhouse of cutting-edge research, teaching and innovation, and one of the top 100 universities globally, with more than 59,000 students and a 7,000-strong research community.

Located in Sydney, Australia's largest city, the University was established in 1949 with a unique focus on the scientific, technological and professional disciplines. UNSW is committed to making a difference by focusing on areas critical to the future. Pioneering research and sustained innovation address today's most critical issues, from climate change and renewable energy to lifesaving medical treatments and breakthrough technologies.

In 2021/2022, the Eurofins Foundation contributed to research on “Environmentally safe and effective antimicrobial face masks”.

The use of face masks was recommended to reduce transmission and limit exposure to the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Disposable masks are primarily single-use as they cannot be decontaminated for re-use, and this has significantly added to contaminated medical waste in the environment. Re-usable fabric masks need to be washed to decontaminate them, but lose their filtration efficacy following a wash.

Adding antimicrobial compounds to fabric mask materials can reduce microbial contamination on surfaces, increase their life span, and reduce the amount of waste generated. The “Environmentally safe and effective antimicrobial face masks” project will use UNSW's patented non-toxic antimicrobial peptides to develop coatings on natural fibres such as cotton and hemp. The materials will be tested for appropriate mechanical, antimicrobial and filtration properties.

The outcome of this project will be environment-friendly, biodegradable, antimicrobial masks that reduce microbial transmission and improve the health and safety of citizens around the world. Notably, the project aims to minimise the environmental impact of masks by using biodegradable mask materials.

This project contributes to the following United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal