A new mask has been developed that can detect COVID-19 infections by simply spraying it with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from ostrich eggs. The mask contains a special filter that is sprayed with a fluorescent dye containing the antibodies. If the virus is present in the mask, the filter will glow under UV light. Scientists at Kyoto Prefectural University in Japan developed the mask, which has already successfully detected all infections in a test with 32 infected participants. The next step is a study with 150 participants.
The antibodies used in the mask come from ostriches that were injected with an inactive and harmless form of SARS-CoV-2 in February 2020. The scientists then developed a dye that can detect the virus using the antibodies. The mask is not yet available for sale as the studies are ongoing, but the scientists hope to obtain approval for sale in a few months. The lead researcher, Yasuhiro Tsukamoto, also discovered his own infection with COVID-19 using the mask and hopes to develop a version that can detect infections without UV light in the future.
The use of ostrich antibodies in the mask is a cost-effective and efficient way to produce large quantities of antibodies. Tsukamoto hopes to turn this into a simple test kit that anyone can use. The mask has the potential to be a game-changer in the fight against COVID-19, as it can quickly and easily detect infections.
