Metasurface-Enhanced Biodegradable Smart Face Mask

Green Cough Sense is a cutting-edge, biodegradable battery-free smart face mask designed to sense cough acoustics for advanced respiratory monitoring. The system uses a flexible, passive microphone built from a patterned array of membrane integrated with a patch antenna. When a user coughs, the acoustic vibrations translate into subtle shifts in the electromagnetic response of the device, enabling precise, real-time detection without an onboard power source.

The entire platform is fabricated from eco-friendly, biodegradable materials using a novel green manufacturing method. Human and laboratory testing have already demonstrated reliable detection of cough events across a wide range of intensities. The upcoming phase of the project will integrate an engineered metasurface layer to dramatically boost sensitivity and enhance the mask’s signal-to-noise performance, opening the door to even more precise respiratory diagnostics.

If you are passionate about sustainable technology, wearable health systems, or advanced materials, this Master’s project offers an opportunity to work on a platform with real clinical and environmental impact.

In this project, the MSc candidate will be advised by Dr. Clementine Boutry (ECTM) and Dr. Filipe Arroyo Cardoso (EI).

Assignment

This project is taking place at ECTM/EI and executed to a large share in the Kavli and EKL Cleanroom facilities. It will include the following activities:

-              Identify electromagnetic metasurfaces via literature search

-              Simulate using CST software

-              Green fabrication using laser and lamination with biodegradable materials

-              Metasurface-based Device Characterizations

The graduation project will have a total duration of 9 to 12 months.

Requirements

You are an ambitious, hands-on Master’s student with strong technical skills in electrical engineering, materials science, biomedical engineering, or microfabrication, and with a background in or interest in learning microwave and RF device concepts. You are motivated to learn and work with CST electromagnetic simulation, sustainable fabrication using biodegradable materials, and experimental device characterization. You communicate effectively in English, work independently, and collaborate well within a multidisciplinary team.

Contact

Last modified: 2026-02-17