By: Daffny Cardoso
As reported by Yin Fang, materials researcher at Tongji University in Shanghai, there is a new mask that can detect SARS-CoV-2 during a time frame of 10 minutes.
Airborne viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, are spread through respiratory droplets, which people can easily take in or spread through surfaces, talking, etc.
Fang’s team designed a sensor on the mask that serves to signal the presence of viral particles. The sensor was made out of aptamers, a synthetic molecule that is able to recognize proteins from antigens. The powerful sensor can detect a fraction of the particle and send an alert.
Fang described how this mask could help in places with poor ventilation, including elevators or tight rooms.
The team is currently working on designing the mask so that it can detect the virus in a shorter time frame. In addition, they are working on the sensitivity of the sensor so that it can pick up traces of a virus more efficiently.
Fang’s team stated that the mask, “It’s expected to serve as an early warning system to prevent large outbreaks of respiratory infectious diseases.” Therefore, although this mask is still in its early stages, as it is yet to develop, it is an important innovation and can be used in the future to limit the spread of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2.
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