Wearable Platform for Low-Dose Inhaled Nitric Oxide Therapy

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been a daunting challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. The World Health Organization has recommended various measures to reduce or limit the spread of the virus, one of which includes the use of face masks. This increase in their demand has provided a unique opportunity to improve the technology by offering, in addition to their inherent protection, therapeutic benefits. One such benefit involves inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) therapy. iNO has proven to be a beneficial therapeutic in patients with acute, hypoxemic respiratory failure and lung injury. Specifically, its potential application stems from its ability to rapidly increase oxygen partial pressure in arterial blood. However, iNO treatments generally require pressurized gas cylinders which are coupled with high costs and lack of portability. A face mask which can deliver therapeutic NO is developed using humidity-triggered NO-releasing nanoparticles. This platform can deliver a low dose of 2.1-2.5 ppm NO for 90 min in a sustained manner. Moreover, it can be stored for extended periods of time and can be easily transported due to its light weight. This NO mask has the potential to alleviate the strain that affects financially limited healthcare systems in developing regions.

Automated summary

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has posed a significant challenge to healthcare systems globally. In response to the World Health Organization's recommendations, face masks have been widely used to reduce the spread of the virus. This increased demand for face masks has led to the development of a novel technology that incorporates therapeutic benefits, such as delivering inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) therapy. By utilizing humidity-triggered NO-releasing nanoparticles, a face mask has been developed that can provide sustained low-dose release of 2.1-2.5 ppm NO for 90 minutes. This innovative mask has the potential to alleviate the strain on financially limited healthcare systems in developing regions.