Coronavirus could be detected by a smart face mask on other people's breath.

Early experiments show that a prototype N95 face mask with a sensor integrated into the breath valve is very sensitive to virus proteins.

After a 10-minute interaction with a person who is afflicted, a face mask with an integrated virus sensor might find minute levels of the coronavirus.

When a coronavirus is discovered, the mask will transmit a signal to the user's smartphone, allowing them to decide whether to leave an area where the virus is present or remove their mask if they feel safe.

However, the outcomes to yet are based on preliminary research. According to Yin Fang of Tongji University in China, the mask hasn't yet been tested against complete viruses; just the coronavirus's surface proteins have been used in tests.

A snug-fitting N95-style face mask has been created by Fang's team that can detect the outer proteins of three viruses: the covid-19-causing SARS-CoV-2 virus and the H5N1 and H1N1 flu strains.

Aptamers, which are brief strands of DNA or RNA that can be engineered to attach to particular proteins, are present in the sensor within the breath valve of the mask. Aptamers are smaller and more stable than antibodies, which are employed to identify the coronavirus spike protein in lateral flow experiments.

An integrated chip in the mask transmits a signal to a chosen smartphone if the aptamers attach to their target proteins and change in electrical charge.

The team tested the mask by placing it in a sealed space and misting it with tiny drops of liquid containing coronavirus spike protein or surface proteins from the two flu viruses. These drops are similar to those produced when an infected person coughs or talks. As low as 0.1 femtograms (0.0000000000000001 g) of protein per millilitre of fluid may be detected by the device after 10 minutes.

According to Fang, the mask may be advantageous for individuals who must spend time in enclosed environments with inadequate ventilation. "We can use this innovative technology to safeguard people." According to him, the system might also be updated with aptamers that recognise various infections.

The mask's erroneous warning signalling when it comes into contact with surface proteins from other viruses has not yet been put to the test by the research team.

Al Edwards from the University of Reading in the UK believes the concept has promise but needs more research. In the actual world, he claims, "things are incredibly difficult to make work."

According to him, the idea of employing highly sensitive aptamer-based tests could be used in different contexts, such as putting the sensors inside of ventilation systems or hospital wards.

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