Mask-Based Breath Condensate Biosensing for At-Home Biomarker Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a low-cost, scalable, and easy-to-use testing system that can be deployed for at-home use to detect biomarkers indicative of COVID-19, enabling safer economic restarts and efficient contact tracing.
Innovation Solution
A mask-based testing system integrating an exhaled breath condensate collector and biosensor within a face mask, which converts breath vapor into a fluid biosample for analysis, generates a test signal, and transmits results remotely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional testing systems are used, then testing accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the EBC collection function and biosensor testing function into a single integrated mask device. The mask includes a condensation surface for collecting breath condensate and a biosensor integrated within the same device, eliminating the need for separate collection devices and laboratory equipment. This merging approach maintains testing accuracy while significantly reducing device complexity and enabling at-home use.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask serves multiple functions: it acts as both a protective face mask and a diagnostic testing device. The same mask that protects the wearer also collects breath samples and performs biosensor analysis, allowing one device to fulfill multiple roles. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate devices needed while maintaining reliable testing capabilities.
2Reliability
If conventional testing systems are used, then testing accuracy can be maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated mask device enables users to perform their own testing without requiring laboratory personnel or complex procedures. The mask automatically collects breath condensate on its condensation surface and the biosensor automatically analyzes the sample, providing self-service functionality that maintains accuracy while dramatically improving ease of operation for at-home testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask performs preliminary sample collection and preparation functions automatically as the user breathes normally. The condensation surface continuously collects EBC during regular breathing, and the biosensor is pre-positioned to immediately analyze the collected sample, eliminating the need for manual sample collection and preparation steps.
3Ease of operation
If integrated mask system is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mask device is divided into distinct functional modules: the condensation surface module for EBC collection and the biosensor module for analysis. These segmented modules can be manufactured separately with standardized interfaces, allowing each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall integration process and reducing manufacturing precision requirements for the complete assembled device.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate, self-administered, and cost-effective detection of COVID-19 biomarkers, facilitating safer return to work and efficient contact tracing through real-time data transmission and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an exhaled breath condensate collector for converting breath vapor into a fluid biosample
Data Source
AI summary
A mask-based testing system for detecting a biomarker received from lungs and airways of a test subject includes an exhaled breath condensate (EBC) collector integrated into an inside of a face mask worn by the test subject. The EBC collector converts breath vapor received from the lungs and airways of the test subject into a fluid biosample. A biosensor is fixed to the inside of the face mask for receiving a fluid biosample from the EBC collector and testing the fluid biosample for a target analyte. The biosensor generates a test signal dependent on at least the presence and absence of the target analyte in the fluid biosample. An electronic circuit is fixed to an outside of the mask for receiving the test signal, determining from the test signal a test result signal depending on detecting or not detecting the target analyte, and transmitting the test result signal to a remote receiver.