The First Selective Detection of Respiratory Droplets in Air

The transmission of infectious diseases via aerosols in the indoor air remains a major public health hazard. Infected people expel respiratory droplets through breathing, coughing and sneezing, which can remain airborne for hours and contribute to the spread of infections.

Researchers Matjaž Malok, Darko Kavšek and Prof. Maja Remškar from the Department of Condensed Matter Physics at The Jožef Stefan Institute have developed the first sensor based on an innovative method for detecting individual respiratory droplets in the air. The detection is selective without the influence of other air pollutants, unlike existing air quality meters that do not separate respiratory droplets from solid particles. The selectivity of the detection is based on the difference in dielectric constant between water and solid particles.

In addition to respiratory droplets, the sensor device is suitable for measuring particles with a high dielectric constant, such as TiO₂, droplets of cooling lubricants in the metal industry and pollen in outdoor air. The use of these devices enables data-driven ventilation, energy savings, and highlights the need for infection prevention measures in hospitals, schools, gyms, and other public spaces.

The article is published in the journal ACS Sensors, https://doi.org/10.1021/acssensors.5c02057