Inventor hopes virus shield pays off

RALEIGH, N.C. -- About a decade ago, Steve Michielsen was like a lot of inventors. He had a great idea, no money and only a vague plan for how to unleash his genius on the world.This month a specially treated fabric is rolling off machines that will be used to make face masks that Michielsen thinks will kill virtually any human or animal virus on contact.If the Food and Drug Administration agrees, which could happen as soon as this fall, the associate professor at North Carolina State University might be part of something most inventors only dream about -- a successful company."I really do think this can change the health of the world," he said.Those are lofty goals for LAAMScience, a humble startup that occupies an unassuming office south of the State Fairgrounds. It's a place where CEO Chris Price maps out strategy, makes his sales pitch and signs for the UPS packages in between.But Price, who worked for several startups during his 20 years in the life-sciences field, said the early research for this product suggests it will meet its claims. He joined LAAMScience late last year.The market for masks is huge.Price estimates that several billion masks are sold worldwide each year, used by individuals, hospital staffs and others.The difference for LAAMScience is an extremely thin antimicrobial coating placed on filters within the mask.When the coating is exposed to light, it produces agents that can kill a broad spectrum of viruses, as well as many common bacteria.The reaction, which tears apart the virus, lasts only milliseconds and remains stationary at the point of contact -- or in this case, the filters of the mask.That makes it impossible for viruses to develop an immunity, while keeping the reaction from reaching the person behind the mask, said Patrick Mize, the company's chief scientific officer.The question is whether consumers will believe the company and then pay a premium for the product.Research so far has been conducted by LAAMScience scientists, which is why FDA approval is such a critical step."We know it works," Price said, "but FDA approval provides credibility to our statements."The project has hit several bumps. The coating failed to stick to the first two fabrics, which meant it could rub off on skin.When the right combination of fabric and coating was found, the drying time was so slow that it could have been measured with a sundial.But Price is confident the challenges of science and manufacturing speed have been overcome. He is eager to send the research and test runs to the FDA this spring and hopes to have approval as soon as this fall -- just in time for the flu season.Though the FDA's blessing isn't needed to sell the product overseas, it is an obvious starting place for a company with worldwide aspirations, including Europe and Asia.In the meantime, a steady stream of media has started showing up at the NCSU textile labs. Outlets from CNN to Discover Magazine are doing features on LAAMScience, providing free publicity.And Price isn't about to limit the company to masks, ticking off a list of possible products that might benefit from the virus-killing coating: carpets, air filters, furniture and even hardwood floor coverings.But as the company's chief scientist, Michielsen understands how difficult it can be to make a good idea behave. That's partly why he isn't as quick to recite a long list of new uses."One breakthrough at a time," he said. E-mail Tim Simmons at tim.simmons(at)newsobserver.com(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)