Smart masks to detect COVID-19

NTU's Professor Chen Xiaodong (left) presents the smart mask while A*STAR's Professor Loh Xian Jun shows the mobile application displaying readings from the mask. Photo by Mark Cheong. Source: straitimes.com

Nanyang Technological University(NTU) and Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) launched the ‘smart masks’ technology on August 7, accompanied by an integrated mobile application to monitor the wearer’s vital signs for easier COVID 19 detection in Singapore.

A chip containing multiple sensors is attached to a regular mask, turning it into a smart mask, and records the wearer’s skin temperature, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, and heart rate which are indicators of symptoms for the virus.

The detachable chip is enveloped with a water resistant and artificial skin-like substrate for comfort and more stable signal output. Its sensors use an infrared light-emitting diode (LED) which sends light signals reflected from the contraction and expansion of blood vessels under the epidermis and are then converted into electrical signals. The electrical signals are collected by the microprogrammed control unit (MCU) and transferred via Bluetooth to the database of the mobile application which projects the collected physiological information into charts.

The smart masks were developed to minimize the exposure of health workers to the virus and reduce the time it takes to record vital signs of COVID 19 patients, creating a more efficient and faster monitoring system.

“We saw that when Covid-19 patients were in isolation wards, the front-line workers had to go in and take temperature readings and blood oxygen saturation every 30 minutes or so to monitor their vital signs… So we were wondering if there was a way to help our front-line workers and to reduce the risk that they face,” said Prof Loh Xian Jun, the executive director of A*Star.

The mask cost around $50 to produce but could be lowered to $20 for mass production. Clinical trials testing the efficiency of smart masks are anticipated to start by the end of this month.