Scientists from the Institute of Biology at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW) in Warsaw have developed an air filter using a mixture of several plants, which effectively protects against virus infection and can be used as a personal protective mask.

Prof. Mohamed Hazem Kalaji, a world specialist in the process of photosynthesis, and Dr Eng. Jacek Mojski, a specialist in vertical cultivation of plants, have been working for several years on the use of plants for air purification in cities in the open and in enclosed spaces such as offices, shopping malls, airports.

Scientists have developed an air filter based on the use of selected plant species. It can be used as a personal mask to “stop viruses”. Preliminary laboratory tests have shown that this filter is 100% effective against the influenza virus. The virus that causes COVID-19 has similar dimensions to the influenza virus.

SGGW researchers are looking for financial support to complete research and register an innovative Polish product in the global patent register.