Title: Exploring the Design of a Biosensor-Integrated Smart Mask for Airborne Disease Prevention
Authors: MariaTheresa Chinyeaka Kelvin-Agwu, Busayo Olamide Tomoh, Adelaide Yeboah Forkuo
Volume: 9
Issue: 3
Pages: 53-64
Publication Date: 2025/03/28
Abstract:
The increasing prevalence of airborne diseases and environmental pollution has heightened the need for advanced personal protective equipment (PPE) capable of real-time monitoring and disease prevention. This paper explores the design and development of a biosensor-integrated smart mask aimed at enhancing protection against airborne pathogens. By incorporating biosensors into the mask's structure, the device can detect pathogens such as viruses and bacteria in real-time, while simultaneously filtering harmful particulates and pollutants. This smart mask offers significant advantages over traditional masks, such as improved detection accuracy, real-time feedback, and the ability to monitor environmental conditions. The study discusses the key components of the smart mask, including the biosensor technology, filtration system, and data communication features, as well as the testing and performance evaluation of the prototype. Results indicate that the biosensor-integrated mask performs at or above standard filtration levels, while providing valuable pathogen detection and real-time alerts for users. However, challenges related to sensor accuracy, power consumption, and integration issues were encountered during testing, highlighting areas for future improvement. The paper further discusses the broader implications of this technology for public health, particularly during pandemics or in high-risk environments, and identifies key areas for future research, including sensor optimization, material comfort, and scalability. The integration of mobile applications for continuous monitoring and data collection is also suggested as a potential future direction. This innovation represents a significant step forward in personal health protection, with the potential to reduce the transmission of airborne diseases and improve overall community well-being.