MIT and Harvard University develop Face Mask Technology to detect COVID-19.
                     MIIT  AND  HARVARD  UNIIVERSIITY  DEVELOP  FACE  
MASK  TECHNOLOGY  TO  DETECT  COVIID-19
Introduction
• Researchers at the Harvard University and MIT have developed a novel face mask that 
can detect if the wearer has COVID-19 within about 90 minutes.
Source: www.jagranjosh.com
Designer of the face mask
• The face mask has been designed by engineers at the Wyss Institute for Biologically 
Inspired Engineering at the Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of 
Technology (MIT).
Source: www.jagranjosh.com
Publisher’s view
• James Collins, a professor at MIT and the senior author of the study that has been 
published in the journal Nature Biotechnology said, “We envision that this platform 
could enable next-generation wearable biosensors for first responders, health care 
personnel, and military personnel.”
Source: www.jagranjosh.com
HOW DOES THE FACE MASK TEST DETECT COVID-19?
Step 1:
• A broad range of synthetic biology sensors have been freeze-dried and embedded 
into a paper mask to detect bacterial or viral nucleic acids, toxic chemicals, including 
nerve toxins. The components in the freeze-dried sensors surrounded by silicone 
elastomer.
Source: www.jagranjosh.com
Step 2:
• The mask is also fitted with a small water reservoir that is released when the wearer 
is ready to begin the test and pushes a button.
Source: www.jagranjosh.com
Step 3:
• The water activates the freeze-dried components of the sensor, which assesses breath 
droplets inside the mask and the wearer can see the results within 90 minutes. The 
results are displayed privately inside the mask.
Source: www.jagranjosh.com
Step 4:
• These sensors can be fitted to other face masks or incorporated into clothing like lab 
coats that could help in monitoring health care workers’ exposure to viruses and 
pathogens.
• The prototypes of these face masks are embedded with sensors on the inside as well 
as on the outside to detect exposure from the environment.
Source: www.jagranjosh.com
Is the face mask COVID-19 test effective?
• A research scientist at Harvard University, US noted that the face mask is as effective 
as the gold standard RT-PCR test to detect COVID-19. It is also as quick as the antigen 
tests to detect COVID-19.
Source: www.jagranjosh.com
When will the face masks be available?
• The researchers of the study have currently filed for a patent on the technology and 
actively looking for companies to partner up with to manufacture these face masks to 
detect COVID-19.
Source: www.jagranjosh.com