Over the past few decades, a booming growth in the field of Nanotechnology was achieved. Many researchers all over the world are going forward with their discoveries into synthesis of new nanomaterials and using them in various applications. We need to take a break and look to the other side of nanotechnology and if it safe to handle them without any precautions. The present work aims to use the nanotechnology to produce a facemask to protect the users of nanomaterials and others in danger of viral infection. The Electrospinning technique is a well established economic method to produce nanofibrous membrane which has been widely used in industrial and medical applications. Electrospun nanofibers have very high porosities which allow them to be highly permeable to water vapor, but they also have extremely small pore sizes, which makes them extremely efficient filters. By applying the experience of the medical researchers, the nanofibrous facemask will be medicated to be used by personnel in contact with viral infection (e.g. H1N1 virus type) environment and to be reinforced with nanosilvers that make use of antimicrobial effects of silver to prevent reproducing of microbes and of other biological impurities.

At Alexandria University, several researchers have established research activities concerning the preparation of nanomaterials, and their performance in industrial and medical end uses. Five partners of the NanoGroup from Alexandria University are involved in this project to make advantage of their expertise in Nanomaterials to introduce a new product based on Nanotechnology to the national market.

The purpose of the present project is to create an integrated collaboration between multidisciplines in order to fabricate a nanofibrous facemask for anti-viral infection control.

This project will be divided into four phases:

First phase (Six months): Literature survey and purchase both the chemicals and equipment.

Second phase (Eighty months): Preparation, fabrication and characterization of the nanofibrous mask.

Third phase (Nine months): Loading the nanofibrous mask with drug, nano-particles & activating the system.

Fourth Phase (Two Months): Workshop/s

The outcomes are: 

1. Production of Nanofibrous face-mask can be worn by the persons exposing to viral infection and researchers in nanomaterials field.
2. Attracting the industry to finance the nanofibrous mask to be a commercial product.
3. Applying for patent license.
4. Disseminating the preparation techniques of nanomaterials and the promise of nanotechnology among new generation of researchers and students.
5. Enhancing the collaboration of multidisciplinary research teams from different faculties and institutions of the University of Alexandria and other universities in order to achieve the project objective to stimulate the research in nanomaterials and nanotechnology in Egypt.
6. Holding workshop to promote the new product within the industry field and interested people.
7. Applying for international funds and attracting foreign researchers to collaborate the research group of Alexandria University.

The expected impacts are:

1- Providing cross-disciplinary research training opportunities for postdoctoral fellows devoted to nanotechnology field.

2- Bridging the gap between the researchers in nanotechnology and those who can adapt this technology in the industrial and medical sectors.

3- Making use of the experience existed and facilities available in Alexandria University to fulfill engineering, medical, and sensing applications,

4- Disseminating the gained experience among junior staff and graduate students in Alexandria University through workshops and seminars.   5- Keeping the sustainability of the on going research by applying for funding from national and international agencies (FP7, HEEP …).