- Kyle Chua
Chinese Scientists Developing Mask That Detects Presence of COVID-19
A group of scientists in China are developing a mask that can detect and alert wearers of viral pathogens in the air, including COVID-19.
The wearable device uses a built-in biosensor that can detect droplets of infectious viruses within 10 minutes, according to peer-reviewed findings published in the science journal Matter. It then sends out an alert via a phone app, letting wearers know they've been exposed. The mask's sensor is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery mounted outside.
Apart from COVID-19, the mask can also detect bird flu and swine flu, which are diseases that similarly spread through small droplets in the air that come out of the noses or mouths of infected people when they exhale, cough or sneeze. These droplets tend to lurk in the air for a period of time, where they could be inhaled by other people.
The scientists behind the study said they tested the mask by spraying it with liquid containing virus proteins in an indoor setting that's meant to simulate how viruses are usually transmitted from person to person. It was able to respond to as little as 0.3 microlitres of the liquid, which is about 70 to 560 times less than the volume of liquid produced in one sneeze.
Dr Yin Fang of Shanghai's Tongji University, the co-author of the study, said the mask can be configured to detect other pathogens as well, which could help prevent the spread of future viruses.
“We wanted to create a mask that can detect the presence of virus in the air and alert the wearer," he said. "Our mask would work really well in spaces with poor ventilation, such as elevators or enclosed rooms, where the risk of getting infected is high."
The scientists are reportedly now working on making the sensor more sensitive to allow it to respond to viruses faster. They're also developing wearable devices that can help patients better manage other illnesses like cancer and heart disease.
A group of scientists in China are developing a mask that can detect and alert wearers of viral pathogens in the air, including COVID-19, bird flu and swine flu.
The wearable device uses a built-in biosensor that can detect droplets of infectious viruses within 10 minutes.
It then sends out an alert via a phone app, letting wearers know they've been exposed.
The scientists behind the device said the sensor can be configured to detect other pathogens as well, which could help prevent the spread of future viruses.