About Smartmask4cf

In November 2021, the World Economic Forum established disease-diagnosing breath sensors and wireless biomarker devices as two of the Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2021, selected considering their disruption and attractiveness to investors and researchers with promising major benefits to societies and economies. The proposed SMARTMASK4CF addresses hot topics namely breathsensors, wireless biomarker devices, rare diseases, and paper-based sustainable sensors having the overriding goal to develop paper-based breath (bio)sensors integrated in the face mask combined with wireless readers for sustainable monitoring tools in cystic fibrosis (CF) disease. Especially, dedicated to patients affected by lung diseases due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, which can be considered as the main cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with CF. SMARTMASK4CF encompasses a flower-like paper-based tool embedded with N95 mask for sampling the exhaled breath aerosol and combined with multiple paper-based colorimetric/electrochemical (bio)sensors for targeted analysis of the selected biomarkers in exhaled breath aerosol.

The presence of a clinician expert in CF disease as a national collaborator and the relevant international scientists with expertise in the topic of the project will boost the SMARTMASK4CF project to reach the ambitious goals thanks to the different skills of the SMARTMASK4CF consortium. The SMARTMASK4CF project aims to:

  • the delivery of a new smart device encompassing different novel sensing systems including paper-based e-nose, paper-based molecularly imprinted polymers for breath analysis, orthogonal detection, flower-like origami sampling pad for improving the scientific advancements in the paper-based devices;
  • paving the way for the design of face masks as active devices for precision medicine and e-health to improve the quality of life of CF pediatric patients and reducing the cost in charge of national health service;
  • create a network for the development of sustainable and smart devices for breath analysis that will be further engaged for the development of devices for any pathology with biomarkers in exhaled breath aerosol.

Objectives of the project

  • Development of a flower-like origami paper-based tool for exhaled breath aerosol sampling;
  • Development of low-cost electrochemical and optical sensors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa markers;
  • Development of the SMARTMASK4CF device;
  • Engagement of clinicians with targeted communication and dissemination activities.