Scientists come up with a mask that glows when a coronavirus is detected

A team of scientists from the USA is developing a protective mask that can give a fluorescent signal when a person with coronavirus breathes, coughs or sneezes. The signal can be captured using a special device, but cannot be seen with the naked eye, says Business Insider.

Photo: Shutterstock

Pandemics were the main subject of study for Jim Collins years before the advent of the new coronavirus. In 2014, his bioengineering laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology began developing sensors that could detect the Ebola virus, lyophilized on a piece of paper. A small team of scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard first published their research in 2016; by then, they had adapted technology to deal with the growing threat of Zika virus.

Now they are again adjusting their tool to detect cases of coronavirus.

The team is developing a mask that will give a fluorescent signal during breathing, coughing or sneezing of a person with coronavirus. This technology can replace temperature checks in public places.

“Once the transportation system opens up, the mask could theoretically be used in airports as we go through security and wait to board the plane,” Collins said. “You or I can use it on the way to and from work.” Hospitals could use it on patients as they walk in or sit in the waiting room as a pre-screening.”

Doctors can even use these masks for on-site diagnostics without sending samples to the lab. With the virus spreading rapidly, tools that quickly identify infected people are critical.

A fluorescent signal can show if coronavirus is present in saliva

Collins says his lab’s current project is in “very early stages,” but the results have been promising. Over the past few weeks, his team has tested the ability of sensors to detect coronavirus in a small sample of saliva.

The team is also experimenting with design: the lab is currently discussing whether to embed sensors in a mask or develop a module that can be attached to any mask.

The team hopes to demonstrate that the concept works over the next few weeks.

“Once we get to this stage, it is important to organize studies with the participation of infected people to see whether it works in real conditions,” the scientist said.

However, in general, virus detection technology has already been proven. By 2018, laboratory sensors could detect viruses that cause SARS, measles, influenza, hepatitis C, West Nile fever, and other diseases.

On the subject: Trump said the U.S. has gone round the world in testing for COVID-19: why isn't it a victory

“We did it on paper at first to create a tool for such low-cost diagnostics,” Collins explained. “We showed that the system can work with plastic, quartz and fabric.”

Collins sensors are made up of genetic material (DNA and RNA) that binds to the virus. This material is lyophilized on tissue using a machine that draws moisture from the genetic material without killing it. It can remain stable at room temperature for several months, providing masks with a relatively long shelf life.

Sensors need to activate two things. First, the moisture that our bodies release through respiratory particles such as mucus or saliva. Secondly, the genetic sequence of the virus must be detected.

The Shanghai laboratory sequenced the coronavirus genome in January. Collins said his sensors only had to identify a small segment of this sequence in order to detect the virus. Once they do, the system will be able to fluoresce within 1-3 hours.

This signal is not visible to the naked eye, so Collins' lab uses an instrument called a fluorimeter. Outside the lab, employees will be able to use hand-held fluorimeters, which Collins says "cost about a dollar," to scan people wearing masks, the author says.

His team had previously developed sensors that change color from yellow to purple in the presence of a virus, so it is possible to use such a system.

Faster and more accurate diagnostic method

Collins is considered a pioneer of synthetic biology, a field that uses engineering to redesign systems found in nature. He won a MacArthur Genius grant in 2003. In 2018, his lab received a $50 grant from Johnson & Johnson to develop embedded virus detection sensors for lab coats.

Sensors can offer a cheaper, faster, and more sensitive form of virus detection than traditional diagnostic tests. For example, laboratory sensors for Zika virus can diagnose infection within two to three hours. In 2016, the team estimated that the sensors cost about $ 20 each, and the test itself cost $ 1 or less in production.

Coronavirus tests currently take about 24 hours, and patients often do not receive results for several days. This may change - the US Food and Drug Administration has authorized the use of an at-home diagnostic test (it is currently being distributed to healthcare workers and first responders).

On the subject: You may already have been ill: how to get tested for antibodies to coronavirus without leaving your home

A test developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention costs about $ 36, according to a document released by Medicare in March. For commercial laboratories, the price is $ 51.

Because Collins sensors are very specific, they are even able to detect various strains of the virus. In the case of Zika virus, the sensors detected two strains from Africa, one from Asia and one from America.

Scientists traced coronavirus strains to two main lines: one originated in Asia, and the other became more common in Europe, North America and Australia. Although the Massachusetts lab is still testing coronavirus segments, there is a high probability that its technology will be able to detect these differences: the team previously revealed that its test finds a mutation with a probability of 48%.

Instead of temperature checks

Airport testers often rely on temperature screenings to identify travelers who may have coronavirus infection. This method is also used in countries that have relaxed restrictions on movement of people.

But temperature checks miss a large number of infections, including patients who have no symptoms or experience symptoms other than fever. Collins believes his sensors can detect more cases by detecting the virus itself, rather than its symptoms.

The lab's main goal is to begin producing masks for public distribution by the end of the summer, he said.

“Right now we are limited in time and talent: we have a relatively small team,” he said. “We are limited in the number of people working in the laboratory, they are working as hard as they can.”

Read also on ForumDaily:

WHO: coronavirus can become a constant infection that kills people every year

Trump said the U.S. has gone round the world in testing for COVID-19: why isn't it a victory

'We've learned the lessons': how New York doctors treat COVID-19 and improve medical protocols

US seizes for inspection Russian ventilation devices after fires in hospitals

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.