SHUTTERSTOCK/Boumen Japet
–
KN95 mask illustration
–
HAI-Online.com – Reportedly there is the latest technology that researchers have found related to masks KN95 with Covid-19.
Also Read: These are 7 countries that no longer require their citizens to wear masks
Citing Kompas.com, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard have succeeded in creating biosensor technology in the form of a wearable device that is attached to the inside of the KN95 mask.
The uniqueness of the mask with the biosensor is that it can detect the SARS CoV-2 virus only through the breath of the person using it. Even this technology can also be used by scientists, doctors and nurses who work with a large potential for Covid-19 transmission.
“This technology can be incorporated into lab coats for scientists working with harmful pathogens, scrub clothes for doctors and nurses, and more,” said Nina Donghia, one of the researchers involved in creating the biosensor mask technology.
The results of the research published on the Nature Biotechnology page, the KN95 mask added by a biosensor can detect viruses in just 90 minutes after the sensor is activated.
When compared with swab tests or PCR, the accuracy of the biosensor is claimed to be comparable or accurate.
In addition, the use of these masks can detect viruses by techniques that involve extraction and freeze-dried molecular machines, as well as allowing cells to read and write genetic material.
Also Read: Can KN95 Masks be Reused? This is Doctor’s Explanation
The mask, which is accompanied by a biosensor, can be activated with a button and a mobile application that will show the results of the detection.
When the sensor button is pressed, the biosensor will detect splashes of water that enter the sensor, such as droplets (saliva released through the nose or mouth when talking, coughing or sneezing).
If a virus is detected, the sensor sends a digital signal via the mobile application. Not only detecting the presence of the Covid-19 corona virus, the KN95 mask equipped with a biosensor can also be used to detect bacteria, toxins or chemicals and others.
However, at this time, biosensor technology can not be published to the public. This is because researchers are still looking for partners to produce these masks. After having a partner who will make the biosensor mask, it can later be mass produced.
Please note, the KN95 mask is a mask that is claimed to be 95 percent able to filter aerosol particles. This mask is shaped like a tent that has a small air pocket between the mask and the nose.
However, the KN95 mask is more comfortable to breathe and not suffocating. The general public can use it when in an environment with a low to moderate risk of transmission. The protective and practical power of KN95 masks is also higher when compared to ordinary surgical masks or masks with three layers.
Well, if KN95 masks with biosensors are available in Indonesia, I don’t think they will be sold at cheap prices because of the latest technology that can detect Covid-19. But, we hope that this discovery can be a step forward to fight Covid-19.
Also Read: Here are 4 things to do when wearing a double mask
This article has been published on Kompas.com with the title “Researchers Find KN95 Masks with Biosensors Can Detect Covid-19″
PROMOTED CONTENT
Featured Videos
– .
