FilterLayr is  a patented new manuka oil-infused nanofibre-based filter media for facemasks and air filtration systems developed by Auckland, New Zealand-based NanoLayr.

Specialising in nanofibre production at scale, the company says that in N95 rated filters, testing has shown FilterLayr kills more than 99% of bacteria as well as bacteriophage.

Independent testing has also shown FilterLayr to be effective in killing/inhibiting the Covid-19 surrogate virus, human coronavirus 229E and further testing on similar viruses such as Covid-19 is underway.

The properties of the manuka as well as the high surface area of the nanofibres mean that FilterLayr is one of the most effective filter media on the market.

“The pandemic has highlighted the importance of providing effective protection for workers on the front line and the large numbers of people who wear masks daily,” said NanoLayr CEO Ray Connor. “The beauty of this product is that it provides highly effective protection against infectious bacteria, viruses and airborne particles.”

NanoLayr is the first manufacturer to use manuka oil as a microbial agent in air filtration applications. The bioactive manuka oil is contained within the nanofibre fabric that stops viruses and bacteria from passing through it. This delivers a far superior result to filters coated with bactericidal actives, where the active coatings can wear off.

“The nanofibre used for these filters is made from specific polymers that are effective at absorbing and carrying active ingredients like manuka,” Connor said. “The nanofibre enables the controlled release of these actives over a prolonged period, meaning masks can be worn for longer, they can be used multiple times, and they provide a better experience for those wearing them.”

NanoLayr supplies filtration media to multiple overseas facemask manufacturers, including HALO Life in the USA, as well as HVAC systems to local home solutions company HRV.

FilterLayr was developed with investment by NanoLayr as well as a $950,000 contribution from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Covid-19 Innovation Acceleration Fund (CIAF). CIAF was set up last year to support New Zealand’s response to meet global and local PPE demand.

NanoLayr’s FilterLayr platform will also support future pandemic responses and the company is currently upscaling production of the new product.

“We have developed incredible platform technology that is leading the world in the production of nanofibres,” Connor said. “We have a focus on using our technology in a way that we can make a positive impact on the lives of as many people as possible. FilterLayr will also help put New Zealand at the forefront of the global textiles industry and establish the country as the centre of excellence for nanofibres.”

www.nanolayr.com