Today, I am pleased to share the following announcement from NanoBCA Member, Dr. Shay Curran, CEO of Integricote Inc. Shay has been a member of the nanotechnology community for the past 15 years. This is a game-changing nanocoating that will be applied to face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Improving Protection: Nanotech Coating Developed by UH Researchers Improves Protective Abilities of Surgical Masks
University of Houston

Innovative Nanotechnology Coating Could Ease Critical Shortage of Masks
Improves protection for health, emergency professionals

Houston, March 28, 2020 – Integricote has announced a breakthrough coating that creates a droplet / fluid / water-repellent barrier, making inexpensive (and more readily available) masks and other PPE products an effective way to hinder SARS-CoV-2.

The innovative new coating, based on a decade of research and many US and international patents and filed applications, is designed to address and meet the emergency need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). It is designed to specifically deliver a protective coating for facemasks, surgical scrubs, air filters, and bed linens.

Integricote’s founder, a 30-year nanotechnology veteran and UH professor, Dr. Shay Curran, said “At a time when specialized medical safety equipment is in critical demand and short supply, we are excited to offer a real solution to provide water repellent coatings that work on painters masks, fabrics, and vent filters made from fiberglass and fabrics. This effectively reduces the risk of any waterborn organism – including the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 – from penetrating a coated fabric.”

The nanocoating is available now for manufacturers of PPEs. It can also be used on older out-ofdate N95 masks or lower cost masks that need to be enhanced. Before using masks, scrubs, etc., have suppliers spray on the coating to give front line health workers added protection.

“Using cloths, scarves, homemade masks, and other fabrics is not a good move. We don’t have to go there when Integricote can help now. Tell your health officials, your PPE suppliers, your governor, and other elected officials that there are other options. This is where the US needs to be winning the war against COVID-19. Our focus should be on finding a cure, doing the right thing, and protecting our frontline workers,” according to Curran.

Contact Becky Scott at becky@integricote.com for more details on how we can help your state and local hospitals – this is not for individuals right now but for medical suppliers and manufacturers.

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Established in 2013, Integricote is a nanocompany that has been working on water repellent coatings on many surfaces including fabrics, tarps, wood, and masonry. Integricote products and solutions are designed to improve the nature and quality of the surfaces we protect. The technology was developed in the materials/chemistry labs (Institute for NanoEnergy) of the physics department at the University of Houston.

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Kudos to Dr. Curran and his team.