When the pandemic two years ago, a development by the Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research (TITK) was in great demand: Cell Solution Bioactive – a cellulose fiber that is highly antibacterial. In the meantime, TITK has succeeded in modifying this fiber. It now also has a very reliable antiviral effect.

The fiber is manufactured using the patented ALCERU process, a modified Lyocell process. Main raw material is cellulose, which is only obtained from wood from certified, sustainable forestry. Since cellulose fibers naturally absorb moisture very well, a major disadvantage of protective masks is mitigated – that the exhaled air moistens the filter material over time, making it an ideal breeding ground for germs to multiply. The Lyocell fiber can absorb up to 50% of its material weight in moisture and wicks it away from the body. If the fiber also has an antibacterial and/or antiviral function, it very quickly renders dangerous pathogens harmless. Therefore, such respirators can be worn longer and used several times.

In addition to the antimicrobial (according to DIN EN ISO 20743), the antiviral effect (according to ISO 18184) has been proven. A fleece that contained only 6% of the functional fiber mixed with Tencel fibers was 99.9% effective against viruses after just 30 seconds. Since the ALCERU process allows the active substance to be incorporated into the cellulose matrix, there is still a high level of antimicrobial and antiviral effectiveness even after 50 household washes.