This mask detects covid and flu in the surrounding air and notifies the user through mobile

A Chinese scientific team has created a mask that can detect respiratory virus more common, such as flu and coronavirusIn form of drops or spray,

This highly sensitive mask alert users Via your mobile devices within 10 minutes if the pathogen is present in the surrounding air. The results of the development are presented this week in the journal Case.

“Previous research has shown that using masks can reduce the risk of infection and contracting disease, That’s why we wanted to create something that would be able to detect the presence of the virus in the air and alert the user.” yin fangolead author of the study and a materials scientist at Tongji University in the Chinese city of Shanghai.

Influenza (H1N1) and the respiratory agents that cause covid-19 are spread through small mediums Droplets and aerosols left by infected people When they speak, they cough and sneeze. These virus-containing molecules, especially small aerosols, can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time.

Fang and his team tested the mask in a closed chamber by spraying viral surface proteins with liquid and trace-level aerosols on the masks. the sensor responded as little as 0.3 microliters of liquid With viral proteins, 70 to 560 times less than the amount of fluid produced in a sneeze and much less than that produced by coughing or speaking.

team designed small sensor with aptamers, which are a type of synthetic molecules that can identify the unique proteins of pathogens such as antibodies. In their proof-of-concept design, the team modified the multichannel sensor with three types of aptamers that can simultaneously recognize the surface proteins of the virus. those with SARS-CoV-2 and the H5N1 and H1N1 flu,

find out in 10 minutes

Once the aptamers bind to the target protein in the air, ion activated transistor Amplifies the connected signal and alerts users via their phones. This transistor is a new type of highly sensitive device, so the mask can even detect the level of pathogens in the air within 10 minutes.

“Our mask will work great in poorly ventilated places, such as elevators or closed rooms, where the risk of getting infected is high, ”says the expert. In the future, if a new respiratory virus emerges, they will be able to easily update the sensor design to detect new pathogens, he adds.

then the team waits shorten detection time and further enhance sensor sensitivity by optimizing the design of polymers and transistors. Too working on wearable devices For many health problems, including cancer and heart disease.

“Currently, doctors rely heavily on their experience Diagnosis and treatment of diseases. But with more detailed data collected by wearable devices, disease diagnosis and treatment can become more accurate,” Feng says.