Biotech Testing Services (BTS) laboratory in Mumbai has certified Livinguard Masks as effective against black fungus (Mucormycosis). Switzerland based hygiene technology company, Livinguard AG launched its antiviral face masks in India in 2020 which is noted to be a one-of-a-kind mask that can destroy bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 /COVID-19 virus.
With the surge of Covid cases in the country, Mucormycosis (Black Fungus) has quickly emerged as the next big threat to the country with India reporting over 28,252 cases of black fungus (data on 7th June). Out of the 28,252 Mucormycosis cases, the Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said 86% of infections have a history of Covid-19 and 62.3% a history of diabetes. In light of this, the Indian Government has also urged the states to declare black fungus (Mucormycosis) an epidemic, thereby making it a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897.
Sanjeev Swamy, Founder, Inventor & CEO, Livinguard AG, said, “Our mission has always been to provide hygiene suited for the modern world. Hence when we learnt about the rise of Mucormycosis cases in India, we quickly tested our Livinguard treated masks at the BTS laboratory and the results showcased strong efficacy against the black fungus. We are happy with the results, and strongly believe in the unique characteristics of Livinguard masks that will provide users with an unprecedented level of security. People, having comorbidities and who have just recovered from COVID can wear the masks to keep themselves protected against the deadly fungus.”
One of the most respected science leaders of India, Padma Vibhushan, Dr Raghunath Mashelkar stated, “It is a huge relief for immuno-compromised patients living with serious diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer or those that have just recovered from COVID to wear a Livinguard mask and know that they will be protected from Mucormycosis. This scientific breakthrough of deactivating Mucormycosis on contact with the mask, is a global game changer; Wearing the Livinguard PRO or ULTRA mask can save lives, control prolonged infection in COVID patients and allow them to return to normalcy much quicker.”
Dr S Nair, PhD Microbiology, Quality Manager at BTS laboratory, said, “We have tested Livinguard’s masks in our laboratory and the results showed that the masks are effective against the black fungus.”
It has been further confirmed by testing carried out by Shradha Dongre from The Synthetic & Art Silk Mills’ Research Association (SASMIRA laboratories), in Mumbai, that Livinguard mask is found to be very effective against Black fungus. The outer layer of the mask exhibited complete resistance against Mucor racemosus ATCC 42467 when tested as per a modified antifungal test AATCC-30.
According to the company, Livinguard masks have been proven effective against a wide range of bacteria and viruses, and now with its proven efficacy against the black fungus, it is sure to be instrumental in the multifaceted fight against COVID-19 and related health problems.