Prof. Duan Xuexin’s team from Tianjin University designed and developed an intelligent face mask for directly exhaled coronavirus aerosols screening. Relevant studies have been published in an internationally recognized magazine Biosensors and Bioelectronics (Paper link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2021.113286).

Schematic illustration of the nanoscale sensor design

This intelligent mask integrates a high density conductive nanowire array-based immunosensor. The spacing of the nanowires is designed to match the size of the virus pathogen, which enables a highly efficient capture of the target. The nanowire array behaves like a “net” and captures exhaled coronavirus aerosols precisely.

Researchers directly integrated antibodies in the nanowire arrays that can react with virus. Once they react, the impedance of the whole sensor will increase, leading to the preliminary detection of the virus.

Besides, a wearable integrated electrical system was developed to transmit the sensing result to a smart phone. The weight of the electrical system is only 7.6g, which will not affect the comfort of the mask.

The intelligent masks can be widely applied for quick pre-screening at airports, customs, hospitals and other crowded places. The wireless communication system enables users of such masks or administrators to obtain information safely through smart phones, tablets and other intelligent terminals, thus making timely decisions.

By Chen Xu

Editor: Eva Yin