Chinese researchers have developed a mouth and nose protection mask that uses sensors to warn its wearer of viruses in the air. The team led by Yin Fang from Tongji University in Shanghai (China) reports that following just ten minutes in a virus-contaminated environment, the evidence can be accessed via an app on a smartphone. in the journal Matter.
The prototype developed by the research team recognizes the Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus and the H1N1 and H5N1 flu viruses, but can also be easily programmed to other pathogens, the report goes on to say.
Sensors are highly sensitive, data might be shared with authorities
Respiratory pathogens spread through small droplets and aerosols released by infected people when they speak, cough or sneeze. The sensors in the mask are therefore very sensitive: A tiny droplet of 0.3 microliters (thousandths of a milliliter) is sufficient for detection. That is up to 560 times less liquid than is expelled in a single sneeze.
Wearers can then use a smartphone or tablet to view curves that show the viral load in their area. According to Fang, the data might be shared with the health authorities in the next step. This should make it easier to fight the epidemic at an early stage.