WIT researcher tackling virus with new designs
A GOREY man is spearheading several research projects designed to combat the threat of Covid-19.
Dr Mark White is the Vice President of Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies at Waterford Institute of Technology ( WIT) and is working closely with researchers to address the challenges presented by the virus.
One of the more innovative measures Dr White has been involved in has been the creation of specialist masks for staff at University Hospital Waterford (UHW).
‘We’ve got a few large projects in operation at the moment,’ said Dr White. ‘And the researchers at the South East
Applied Material Centre (SEAM) are involved in the most exciting project.
‘ They’ve used 3D printing technology to develop a sealed face-mask prototype for clinicians in UHW, the mask filters out bacteria and viruses. These guys are really advanced in what they do, they’ve worked with Boston Scientific, Abbot, Schivo Medical. The masks are currently being trialled by Schivo and we hope to have them in the hospital soon.’
Researchers at SEAM have also manufactured visors for staff in the National Ambulance Services (NAS), an item of PPE which is already being put to good use.
‘ They’ve created a perspex face protector for the NAS, it can be worn over the head, and it prevents coughs or bodily fluids from landing on a person.’
Made using 3D printers, the first delivery of these masks has been made to ambulance crews at UHW and they are now in use.
In addition to stopping the spread of the virus, Dr White and his teams are looking at ways to help those who have been infected.
‘Our nutritional researchers at WIT are part of an international consortium which is looking into the nutritional requirements of elderly patients who are in the rehabilitation phase of COVID-19,’ explained Dr White.
Having already given away its entire supply or the reagent required to test for Covid-19, Dr White and the researchers at The Department of Science and the Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre (PMBRC) are now looking into new methods to increase the speed of testing for the virus.
Furthermore, a research proposal submitted to Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) could see researchers at WIT create a phone app which outlines the user’s ‘immunological passport’.
‘We want to produce an app like the one in China which provides a immunity passport,’ Dr White explained. ‘ This app enables others to see whether you’ve had the virus or not and is used when entering restaurants or other public spaces. We believe we could create that app within a year.’
And with a background in nursing, Dr White is fully aware of the sacrifices being made by those on the frontline right now.
‘It’s really, really difficult for the nurses right now, these people are afraid to bring Covid home to their families, it’s a living nightmare. I’ve been involved in healthcare for more than 30 years and I haven’t seen anything like this.
‘But I’m optimistic that the protocols being put in place will work. There’s only two ways to overcome this: either keep self-isolating until a vaccine comes out, or get the virus and become immune.’
‘I think our government has done extremely well, they’ve helped flatten the curve. UHW and Wexford General Hospital are not currently under the kind of pressure we thought they would be, which is an indication of our success and that we’re doing the right things.’