Now that autumn is approaching in the northern hemisphere, it’s time to start prepare for respiratory viruses. COVID is not all that causes coughing. At this time of the year, we can also face the flu. Fortunately, there are vaccines for both viruses. However, differences in their effectiveness for different variants and strains of the virus require that we continue to pay close attention to their expansion. And for that, they can be very interesting inventions, such as the mask that a group of scientists from Shanghai Tongji University.
This is a face mask that is worn as usual, but is capable of detecting viral particles environment after the conversation Only 10 minutes. Once it detects them, it notifies the user through your mobile phoneso that you are aware of the situation.
What has just been published in the magazine Matter it’s just a proof of concept. Much more testing will be required to consider this invention effective. But so far this first phase has been very positive. And it is that the mask is able to detect a range of virus particles much less than what is exhaled when sneezing. But let’s see how he does it.
“Sticky” mask with viral proteins
This mask has many components, but two are the most important. On the one hand, it contains a sensor attached to three types aptamers, which are very small fragments of DNA or RNA organized in a single strand and designed to specifically bind to certain molecules. In this case, they bind to specific proteins on the surface. SARS-CoV-2that causes COVID-19 or two strains of the influenza virus: H1N1 or H5N1.
On the other hand, the mask has a very sensitive transistor known as ion activated transistor. Combining both components results in a message being sent to the application installed on the user’s mobile phone when combined with one of the two viruses.
To test this, the scientists placed the mask in a closed chamber and sprayed it viral protein liquid. The introduction occurred by imitation of aerosols, usually released when talking, coughing or sneezing. Various volumes were tested and the device was found to detect viruses as small as 0.3 µl, which is 70 to 560 times less than the volume of fluid produced by a sneeze and, logically, much less than the volume produced by a cough or cough. conversation.
What will he do?
The goal, as planned, was for the user to wear a mask in closed places, and she notifies him of proximity to infected peopleeither with the flu virus or the one that causes COVID-19.
It soon seems that the main limitation lies precisely in the fact that fewer and fewer people are wearing masks, especially in the West. This is something that can be fixed; because in fact the sensor does not have to be attached to the mask. Viruses can be detected in another way. But, of course, if a person was previously protected, the risk is further reduced.
In any case, all this should be studied further. At the moment, these scientists hope further reduction of detection time and increase in sensor sensitivityby optimizing the design of its components. At the moment I would only detect the virus in a conversation 10 minutes; but, if it were reduced even more, the mask would not be so necessary, since it could happen that the user did not accumulate a viral load to become infected. This should be the end goal, but everything will pass. In the meantime, suffice it to remember that in addition to COVID-19, there are viruses and that winter is approaching. We will meet them again and it is always good to look for new ways to prepare. Although at the moment it may not be in our power.
Source: Hiper Textual
