Scientists in China have created a face mask capable of detecting common respiratory diseases from droplets in the air.
The mask alerts the wearer a potential infection via their mobile device if harmful pathogens are present in the surrounding air.
Yin Fang, the study’s corresponding author and a material scientist at Shanghai Tongji University, said:
“Previous research has shown face mask wearing can reduce the risk of spreading and contracting the disease.
“So, we wanted to create a mask that can detect the presence of virus in the air and alert the wearer.”
Respiratory pathogens that cause COVID-19 and H1N1 influenza spread through small droplets and aerosols released when infected people talk, cough and sneeze.
These virus-containing molecules can remain suspended in the air for a long time.
The researchers tested the mask in an enclosed chamber by spraying the viral surface protein containing trace-level liquid and aerosols on the mask.
The sensor responded to as little as 0.3 microliters of liquid containing viral proteins – about 70 to 560 times less than the volume of liquid produced in one sneeze and well below the volume produced by coughing or talking, Fang said.
The team designed a small sensor with aptamers – synthetic molecules that can identify unique proteins of pathogens like antibodies.
The researchers modified the multi-channel sensor with three types of aptamers, which can simultaneously recognise surface proteins on SARS-CoV-2, H5N, and H1N1.
Once the aptamers bind to the target proteins in the air, the connected ion-gated transistor will amplify the signal and alert the wearer via smartphone.
This novel type of device is highly sensitive, therefore the mask can detect even trace levels of pathogens in the air within 10 minutes.
Fang 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.
In the future, if a new respiratory virus emerges, they can easily update the sensor’s design for detecting the novel pathogens, the researcher added.
The team now hopes to shorten the detection time and increase the sensitivity of the sensor by optimising the design of the polymers and transistors.
They are also developing wearable devices for a variety of health conditions including cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
Fang said:
“Currently, doctors have been relying heavily on their experiences in diagnosing and treating diseases.
“But with richer data collected by wearable devices, disease diagnosis and treatment can become more precise.”
