Semiconlight Begins Development of Virus-Catching Sterilization Mask

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] Semiconlight, a company specializing in LED flip-chip manufacturing, announced on the 18th that it has signed a joint development agreement with a UV mask patent holder using its UVC-LED technology. Through the agreement held yesterday at its headquarters in Yongin, Semiconlight secured joint development rights and production and distribution rights in the Asian region for UVC sterilization masks already filed in the United States and China.

The patent involves a semi-permanent functional mask that inserts UVC-LED chips into ventilation openings on the sides of the mask to sterilize incoming air. This function sterilizes air entering from outside to inside, and it is known that experiments conducted by a renowned U.S. research institute confirmed 99% sterilization effectiveness. Semiconlight stated that after developing the UV mask, it will further focus on research and development to apply its UVC-LED technology to home appliances and various mechanical devices.

As the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spreads worldwide, starting from the Asian region, N95 masks are effective only against particles larger than 0.3um. However, since the size of COVID-19 particles is below 0.1um, the blocking effect decreases if the mask is not worn properly.

Semiconlight stated that the UV mask developed through this joint patent agreement minimizes the uncomfortable breathing issues of existing products. The company said, “This is the world’s first UV mask that uses UVC-LED technology to remove 99.9% of airborne viruses, fundamentally blocking virus entry through the respiratory system,” and added, “In the future, we plan to establish OEM production capabilities by partnering with existing mask manufacturers using Semiconlight’s UVC LED chips, expecting to secure market competitiveness in a short time.”