A team of scientists at Kyoto Prefectural University (KPU), located in western Japan, has developed a type of face mask that can “glow” when exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Kyodo News, this new face mask will glow under ultraviolet light when it comes into contact with SARS-CoV-2.
The filter of the mask treated with fluorescent dye containing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 glows under ultraviolet light when in contact with the virus – (Photo: KYODO NEWS)
The scientists achieved this reaction by using antibodies extracted from ostrich eggs. Ostriches have the ability to produce various types of antibodies or proteins to neutralize foreign entities that invade their bodies.
In February 2020, the research team injected an inactivated and harmless amount of SARS-CoV-2 into an ostrich. They successfully extracted a large quantity of antibodies from the eggs of these ostriches.
Next, the scientists invented a special filter that can be inserted inside the mask. For testing, users can remove this filter from the mask and spray it with fluorescent dye containing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 extracted from ostrich eggs. If the virus is detected, the filter will glow under ultraviolet light.
The research team conducted experiments with 32 Covid-19 patients over a 10-day period following standard procedures.
The experimental results showed that all the masks worn by these individuals glowed under ultraviolet light. This glow gradually faded over time and as the viral load decreased.
The next goal for the researchers at Kyoto Prefectural University is to expand the testing program to include 150 participants.
KPU President Yasuhiro Tsukamoto, who leads the research team, discovered he had contracted Covid-19 thanks to this mask. Subsequent test results confirmed his illness.
“We can mass-produce antibodies extracted from ostrich eggs at a low cost. In the future, I want to develop this product as a convenient testing kit that anyone can use,” Tsukamoto stated.
With the product still in the process of refinement, the Japanese scientists hope the government will grant permission to sell this type of mask on the market next year.
