Reducing viral transmission by adapted masks

December 2021. Dr Tillotson gave a presentation to the UK Semiochemsitry Network. The COVID-19 viral pandemic continues in 2021 with a new variant, omicron, which has multiple alterations in the spike protein and maybe more transmissible. As a designer working in the hybrid of biosciences, technology, fashion communication, and scent, here Dr Tillotson presents a possible addition to the armamentarium of measures to contain SARS-CoV2 with novel wearable technologies designed to reduce the commonest method for disease transmission: airborne spread.

The presentation introduces transformative technology that could potentially change the face of high protection via reusable FFP3 masks and the use of scent and antiviral properties in real-life scenarios. She introduced a potential method for lining the upper respiratory tract with whatever protective substance is needed by providing a wearable nebulizer that offers "personal protection assurance" via a patented liquid delivery system. Combining filtration of air from a hostile environment with nebulized medication designed to inhibit viral attachment and evidence-based stress-reducing aromas in a wearable device might be an effective way to reduce viral spread.

Further work is needed to assess the effectiveness or otherwise of viral attachment inhibitors in vitro, then in vivo and to quantify stress reduction by olfactory cues.