Using freeze-dried cell free reactions and CRISPR-based biosensors, researchers at the Wyss Institute and M.I.T. have created a face mask that can detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a wearer’s breath in under 90 minutes. Such a mask would allow medical professionals to quickly identify COVID-19 patients and begin effective treatments. This facemask is a proof-of-concept for the research team’s Wearable Synthetic Biology platform and could be adapted to detect other pathogens and toxins.
Credit: Wyss Institute at Harvard University