# Silver Thin-Film Plated Interconnected Metal Mesh Networks for Virus Detection and Prevention

## TL;DR

This paper explores using silver-plated masks to prevent virus and pollen spread by altering their surfaces and reducing allergic reactions.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel method of using microcurrent-based silver plating on masks to modify pollen surfaces and suppress allergens.

## Key findings

- Microcurrent application increased pore density in PP filters from 7.94% to 14.8% and 16.9%.
- Silver plating altered pollen surfaces and affected proteins that trigger hay fever.
- The method shows potential for preventing pollen allergies and suppressing pathogen spread.

## Abstract

Many viruses, bacteria, and pollen that cause diseases such as COVID-19 are inhaled by humans as aerosols. Therefore, wearing a mask to block pathogen-containing aerosols is crucial for disease prevention. However, current masks have a drawback—residual bacteria on the mask surface can become aerosolized again, spreading infections. To address this, a reusable mask incorporating the antibacterial properties of silver particles should be developed to suppress the immune response to pathogens and pollen that contact the mask surface. This study analyzed protein surface changes in pollen shells following electroless silver plating on polypropylene (PP) filters of KF94 masks using microcurrent. Pore density increased from 7.94% before microcurrent application to 14.8% and 16.9%, depending on the duration of exposure. These results suggest that microcurrents alter pollen surfaces and affect the proteins in pollen shells that trigger hay fever, confirming the potential for preventing pollen allergies.