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Researchers at MIT and harvard are developing a face mask that lights up when exposed to the coronavirus, building on their prior work with Ebola and Zika virus sensors.
A collaborative effort between MIT and Harvard is yielding a novel approach to virus detection: a face mask that illuminates upon contact with the coronavirus. This project leverages years of research into rapid virus detection, initially focused on viruses such as Ebola.
The Biofuels Lab at MIT initiated the growth of sensors capable of detecting the Ebola virus back in 2014. In 2016, a team comprising scientists from both MIT and Harvard published their findings, detailing their progress in adapting the technology to identify both the Ebola and Zika viruses.
Now, the researchers are pivoting to address the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Their aim is to refine their sensors to detect the virus when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or even breathes while wearing the mask.
MIT researcher Tim Collins told Buisness Insider that the project, while still in its “early stages,” has shown encouraging results. The team hopes to demonstrate a working prototype soon. Initial tests involved exposing the sensor to small samples of saliva containing the coronavirus.
“once we’re at that stage, then we need to test individuals who are expected to be infected to see if it will work in a real-world setting,” Collins added.
Collins, recognized as a pioneer in synthetic biology and a recipient of a MacArthur genius grant in 2003, received a $50,000 grant in 2018 from Johnson & Johnson to explore virus detection sensors for lab coats. He believes that these sensors offer a potentially faster and more cost-effective alternative to conventional diagnostic tests.
As an example,their Zika sensor can reportedly diagnose patients within a few hours,with an estimated cost of $20 per test,despite the production cost being as low as $1,according to their 2016 estimates.
According to Business Insider,the sensor has demonstrated effectiveness against SARS,measles,influenza,hepatitis C,and West Nile virus. The team initially developed the sensor on paper to facilitate the creation of affordable, paper-based diagnostics. They have since proven its functionality on various materials, including plastic, quartz, and cloth.
“Once we’re at that stage, then we need to test individuals who are expected to be infected to see if it will work in a real-world setting,”
Collins stated that the team’s objective is to commence production of masks for public distribution before the end of the summer, even though their progress is currently constrained by the size of their team and limitations on lab access.
Frequently asked Questions
- How does the smart face mask work?
- The face mask contains sensors that detect the presence of the coronavirus. When the virus is detected, the mask lights up, indicating potential exposure.
- How accurate is the virus detection technology?
- The technology has shown promising results in early testing, but further testing is needed to determine its accuracy in real-world settings.
- When will the smart face masks be available to the public?
- The researchers aim to begin producing masks for public distribution by the end of the summer,but this timeline is subject to change based on research progress and resource availability.
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Amelia Daly is a science reporter covering breakthroughs in biotechnology and public health.She has a passion for making complex topics accessible to a broad audience.
