MASK ARMOUR ANNOUNCES IN VITRO STUDY RESULTS DEMONSTRATING POTENT ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITY OF PLANT EXTRACT COMBINATION AND ZINC GLUCONATE APPLIED TO FACIAL MASK MATERIALS

PITTSBURGH, PA Thursday, November 19

3^rd party study conducted by Jonathan Lakey, PhD et al, Professor of Surgery and Biomedical Engineering University of California

Mask Armour Spray was found to be as effective as 70% EtOH at neutralizing baculovirus in vitro.

• All protocols were performed in sterile laminar flow hood using sterile techniques.
• Pieces of disposable cotton surgical or polypropylene N95 masks was sterilized with 70% EtOh.
• After dry, the mask pieces were inoculated with 0.1 mL of 2x10⁵ PFU/mL baculovirus and allowed to air dry.
• Control mask pieces was swabbed using BD BBL Culture Swab to collect virus particle and inoculated onto Sf9-ET viral cell line (1x10⁴, n=3 per group).
• As negative control, virus inoculated mask piece was soaked in 70% EtOH and allowed to air dry, before swabbed and inoculation onto the cells.
• The remaining mask pieces was sprayed with Mask Armour once per manufacturer’s instruction (1 spray).
• The mask pieces were then swabbed at 5, 15, and 30 minutes after Mask Armour application and inoculated onto the viral cell line.
• After 2 hours of infection, virus containing media was removed and replaced with fresh growth media.
• After 3 days incubation, the insect cells fluorescence was read at 488/530 nm wavelength in replicates of 3 readings per sample evaluated.

 

Experimental Results to date

 Sf9-ET viral cells express green fluorescent protein (GFP) if infected with baculovirus, with excitation and emission of 488/530 nm. Following baculovirus infection, the fluorescence is expected to increase compared to baseline prior to infection.

The fluorescence was analyzed at 18 and 24-hours following infection.

 

 Our result indicated that the Mask Armour is as effective as 70% EtOH at neutralizing virus infectivity at both 15 and 30 mins.  At 18 and 24-hours following inoculation into culter plates.

 

2^nd Study Results

Sf9-ET cells express green fluorescent protein (GFP) if infected with baculovirus, with excitation and emission of 488/530 nm. Following baculovirus infection, the fluorescence is expected to increase compared to baseline prior to infection. The fluorescence was analyzed at 1 (24 hrs) and  3 days (72 hrs) following viral infection.

 

Figure 1. Efficacy of Mask Armour at neutralizing virus infectivity on masks.

 

After applying Mask Armour on virus inoculated cotton and polypropylene masks, the masks were swabbed after 5, 15, and 30 minutes, then used to inoculate cells. Virus titer remaining was read after 3 days culture period. Preliminary studies demonstrated effectiveness of a single application of the Mask Amour at 18, and 24 hrs.

 

“Today we show proof of concept and demonstrate the genesis of Mask Armour’s development, as a prophylactic measure to enhance the protection of facial masks.” Said Tracy Keeling, Mask Armour LLC President.  “We have reached a critical milestone and will continue future scientific study as we provide this amazing proprietary product to the public.” 

 

Mask Armour LLC is a Pittsburgh, PA based company.  

Through extensive research Mask Armour was developed to provide additional protection by coating the fibers of the mask with a proprietary combination of SAFE and natural plant extracts, and the antiviral benefits of zinc gluconate.   Each shown in rigorous scientific in vitro studies to inhibit a wide range of viruses including Coronavirus.  These studies were published in reputable peer review scientific journals.  The product also contains the antibacterial benefits of three essential oils to help prevent and control skin breakouts which frequently occur from prolonged mask usage, under which is an ideal environment for bacterial growth.    

 

The natural and organic ingredients in Mask Armour include: 

• Sambucus Nigra (Black Elderberry) – Contains high levels of antioxidants and caffeic acid which inhibit viral replication.  Malic acid in Elderberry is known to provide skin benefits as well as calm inflammation.
• Echinacea – Extracts of Echinacea purpurea have been used traditionally in North America for the treatment of various types of infections and wounds, and they have become very popular herbal medicines globally. Recent studies have revealed that certain standardized preparations contain potent and selective antiviral and antimicrobial activities.
• Citsus Incanus – Plant indigenous to the Mediterranean region. Extracts used for centuries for viral infections.  Proven more recently in vitro to neutralize virus.  
• Zinc Gluconate – Zinc is an essential trace element that has been studied both in vitro and in vivo for its effects inhibiting viral replication. Zinc has been used for years as a treatment for acne. 
• Peppermint Oil – Contains antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and when inhaled has an uplifting and invigorating effect. Peppermint oil also neutralizes unpleasant orders as well as soothes dry, irritated skin.
• Tea Tree Oil – Tea Tree Oil is believed to have antiviral properties and has long been used as a natural and effective treatment for acne.
• Rosehip Oil – Has been a longtime staple in the skincare industry, known for its ability to hydrate and brighten the skin, reduce inflammation and boost collagen.

Mask Armour is available for purchase online at www.mask-armour.com, As well as numerous Med Spas and Dermatology practices throughout the northeast.  For more information, contact Tracy Keeling at 412-491-8731 or email: tkeeling@mask-armour.com

 

Social Media Sites:

 Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/maskarmour

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/mask.armour/

 

**Mask Armour is patent-pending

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About Mask Armour

Tracy and Gary Keeling, residents of South Fayette, PA  came up with the idea of a protective mask spray

while Mr. Keeling was traveling during the very early days of the COVID pandemic. While on a plane, a passenger two rows back sneezed, raising concerns about the airborne illness. With more than 25 years of experience working within the medical field and having to complete  annual credentialing courses (one on airborne pathogens), Mr. Keeling started thinking about what types of products he could use to help fortify facial masks and consulted with PhDs and MDs throughout the country as he and their pre-med shool daughter Alexandra conducted their research.

 

After returning to work, Mrs. Keeling, an experienced skincare professional, found herself fielding questions from clients about how to avoid skin irritation and mask acne caused from mask use.  Realizing many people were experiencing similar concerns related to prolonged mask used, the couple decided to create Mask Armour.