Rapid Detection of Airborne SARS-CoV-2: A Breakthrough
Device Overview
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking device that can rapidly detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in the air within five minutes. This proof-of-concept detector has the potential to revolutionize the way we monitor and manage airborne viruses in public settings.
The device, known as a wet cyclone aerosol sampler, utilizes a unique design inspired by a previous device used to detect a protein in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. It draws in air at a rate of 1,000 liters per minute, swirling it like a cyclone to trap viral particles in a liquid solution.
Detection Mechanism
After five minutes, a biosensor made of an electrode attached to nanobodies, immune system proteins derived from llamas, is used to analyze the solution. These nanobodies have a remarkable affinity for the spike proteins of coronaviruses, allowing them to detect the presence of the virus.
An electrical current is then passed through the sensor, causing the spike proteins to lose electrons. When a second sensor detects this change, the device confirms the presence of SARS-CoV-2.
Accuracy and Applications
In a study published in Nature Communications, the researchers demonstrated that the device is 77 to 83 percent accurate in detecting any of the coronavirus variants in the air. It was also able to successfully detect the virus in the apartments of two COVID-positive patients within just five minutes.
The device could have wide-ranging applications in healthcare and public health settings. It could be used to scan for the virus in hospitals, shopping malls, airports, and other public places, helping to identify areas of high risk and inform infection control measures.
Cost and Future Prospects
The current cost of building the device in a lab is estimated to be between $1,400 and $1,900. However, the researchers believe that with further development, the microwave-sized detector could be engineered to scan for other airborne viruses as well.
The team is currently exploring the potential to detect influenza, RSV, and other pathogens using the same technology. They believe that this device has the potential to revolutionize the way we monitor and manage airborne viruses, contributing to improved public health outcomes.
Additional Features and Benefits:
- The device is designed to be portable and easy to use, enabling rapid deployment in various settings.
- It provides real-time detection, eliminating the need for time-consuming PCR testing.
- The nanobody-based sensor is highly sensitive and specific, allowing for accurate virus identification.
- The cyclone-like particle trajectory ensures efficient capture of viral particles from the air.
- The low cost of the device makes it feasible for widespread implementation in public settings.