While facial coverings reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 by viral filtration, masks capable of viral inactivation by heating can provide a complementary method to limit transmission. Inspired by reverse-flow chemical reactors, we introduce a new virucidal face mask concept driven by the oscillatory flow of human breath. The governing heat and mass transport equations are solved to evaluate virus and CO₂ transport. Given limits imposed by the kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 thermal inactivation, human breath, safety, and comfort, heated masks may inactivate SARS-CoV-2 to medical-grade sterility. We detail one design, with a volume of 300 ml at 90°C that achieves a 3-log reduction in viral load with minimal impedance within the mask mesh, with partition coefficient around 2. This is the first quantitative analysis of virucidal thermal inactivation within a protective face mask, and addresses a pressing need for new approaches for personal protective equipment during a global pandemic.

中文翻译：

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基于逆流反应器概念的杀病毒口罩，可热灭活 SARS-CoV-2


虽然面部覆盖物通过病毒过滤减少 SARS-CoV-2 的传播，但能够通过加热灭活病毒的口罩可以提供限制传播的补充方法。受逆流化学反应器的启发，我们引入了一种由人类呼吸的振荡流动驱动的新的杀病毒面罩概念。求解控制热和质量传输方程以评估病毒和CO ₂传输。考虑到 SARS-CoV-2 热灭活动力学、人类呼吸、安全性和舒适性的限制，加热口罩可能会将 SARS-CoV-2 灭活至医疗级无菌状态。我们详细介绍了一种设计，在 90°C 下体积为 300 毫升，可实现病毒载量减少 3 个对数级，且面罩网内的阻抗最小，分配系数约为 2。这是对杀病毒热灭活的首次定量分析防护口罩，并解决了全球大流行期间对个人防护设备新方法的迫切需求。