Bioflavonoid impregnated materials

Abstract

Cellulosic fibrous materials are described which are impregnated with a bioflavonoid composition, the bioflavonoid content of the composition comprising at least naringin and neohesperidin. The use of such impregnated materials is also described, for example as paper or bamboo towels and cardboard, as well as the process for impregnating the materials.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A dry respiratory mask for use in reducing viral transmission by air, which comprises cellulosic fibres impregnated with a mixture of bioflavonoids comprising at least 70% naringin and neohesperidin. 
     
     
         19 . The dry respiratory mask of  claim 18 , wherein the naringin and neohesperidin together form at least 75% of the bioflavonoid content. 
     
     
         20 . The dry respiratory mask of  claim 18 , wherein the naringin and neohesperidin together form between 75% and 80% of the bioflavonoid content. 
     
     
         21 . The dry respiratory mask of  claim 18 , wherein the mixture of bioflavonoids further comprises one or more compounds selected from the group of neoeriocitrin, isonaringin, hesperidin, neodiosmin, naringenin, poncirin and rhiofolin. 
     
     
         22 . The dry respiratory mask of  claim 18 , wherein the mixture of bioflavonoids comprises neoeriocitrin, isonaringin, hesperidin, neodiosmin, naringenin, poncirin and rhiofolin. 
     
     
         23 . The dry respiratory mask of  claim 18 , wherein the mixture of bioflavonoids is uniform throughout the mask. 
     
     
         24 . A method for preparing a dry respiratory mask suitable for reduction of viral transmission by air, which comprises preparing a respiratory mask from cellulosic fibres and impregnating said mask with a mixture of flavonoids which comprises at least 70% of naringin and neohesperidine, and drying said mask. 
     
     
         25 . The method as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein said impregnating comprises immersing or spraying said mask of cellulosic fibres. 
     
     
         26 . The method as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein drying comprises mechanically drying. 
     
     
         27 . The method as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the mixture of bioflavonoids further comprises one or more compounds selected from the group of neoeriocitrin, isonaringin, hesperidin, neodiosmin, naringenin, poncirin and rhiofolin. 
     
     
         28 . The method as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the mixture of bioflavonoids is uniform throughout the mask. 
     
     
         29 . A method of reducing aerial viral transmission which comprises use of a dry respiratory mask, as claimed in  claim 18 .