A wearable bioelectronic mask for the detection of airborne respiratory infectious disease viruses. Credit: Matter/Wang et al.
Key Points:
- Scientists have created face masks with sensors that can detect SARS-CoV-2, H5N1 and H1N1.
- The sensors can detect the presence of viral proteins in volumes of trace liquids less than those expelled by talking, laughing and sneezing.
- The facemasks’ sensors can notify a wearer’s mobile device of the presence of airborne pathogens within ten minutes.
Using face masks to prevent the spread of airborne diseases has long been a standard practice. A group of scientists from Shanghai Tongji University have now modernized their use by developing face masks capable of detecting common respiratory viruses. They showcased their innovation in a recent issue of Matter.
Molecules that contain respiratory viruses are often spread via small droplets and aerosols emitted from a sick person’s mouth. Unfortunately, these molecules are able to remain airborne for a considerable amount of time after they have been released.
The face masks developed by the Shanghai Tongji University scientists take advantage of that, and in a 10-minute span of time, can alert a wearer’s mobile device of the presence of airborne viruses.
“Previous research has shown face mask wearing can reduce the risk of spreading and contracting the disease,” explained Yin Fang, a professor at the university and author of the study. “So, we wanted to create a mask that can detect the presence of virus in the air and alert the wearer.”
Fang’s team equipped a sensor with three aptamers, which are man-made molecules that can sense surface proteins on a virus. The sensors in the new face masks are able to detect SARS-CoV-2, H5N1, and H1N1.
Detecting airborne viruses is typically challenging, because of the low volume of trace liquids expelled from an infected person’s mouth. Promisingly, the team’s sensors detected viral proteins present in just 0.3 microliters of liquid, which is almost 600 times less than the amount of liquid released by coughing or talking.
“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,” said Feng.
The team plans to tweak the face masks’ design to make them more sensitive and able to detect viruses quicker. They also plan to utilize their technology in wearable devices that can detect other diseases.