ILLUSTRATION. A number of companies are also innovating in creating technological products that can be used to fight the Covid-19 virus. REUTERS/Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana
Source: Kompas.com | Editor: Barratut Taqiyyah Rafie
KONTAN.CO.ID – A number of companies are also innovating in creating technological products that can be used to fight the Covid-19 virus. Starting from Covid-19 tracking applications to artificial intelligence (AI) to identify movement patterns of the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
A group of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard recently created a biosensor technology that can detect the presence of the Covid-19 virus in a person’s breath.
Uniquely, the biosensor technology in the form of a wearable device is attached to the KN95 mask. “This technology can be incorporated into lab coats for scientists working with harmful pathogens, scrub suits for doctors and nurses, and more,” said Nina Donghia, one of the researchers involved in creating the tool.
According to research results published on the Nature Biotechnology website, the KN95 mask with this biosensor can detect the Covid-19 virus through the breath, within 90 minutes of the sensor being activated.
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The level of detection accuracy is also claimed to be comparable to the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) swab. To be able to detect the virus, the researchers used a technique that involves extraction and freeze-dried molecular machinery, which cells use to read and write genetic material.
The biosensor is equipped with a button to activate the sensor as well as a mobile app to show the results. Now, when the sensor button is pressed, the sensor will detect splashes of water that enter the sensor, for example through droplets (liquids or splashes of saliva that someone releases from their nose or mouth when sneezing, coughing, or even talking).
Also Read: Covid-19 Task Force: Wearing a mask is the easiest thing and has a big impact
When a virus is detected, the sensor will send a digital signal to the mobile application. In addition to Covid-19, this biosensor can also be used to detect other bacteria, toxins, and chemicals.
Unfortunately for now, this biosensor is not yet available to the public. Researchers are reportedly still looking for partners to be able to mass produce masks with biosensors, as compiled by KompasTekno from CNET, Saturday (10/7/2021).
This article has been published on Kompas.com with the title “This Advanced Mask Can Detect Covid-19 Through Breath Na“
Author : Galuh Putri Riyanto
Editor: Yudha Pratomo
