2023-07-10 11:00:00
Researchers at Washington University in the United States have developed a fast and affordable air quality monitor capable of detecting the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in real-time. The interdisciplinary team’s research, featured in an upcoming issue of Nature Communications, highlights the potential for this monitor to be used not only in hospitals but also in other public buildings.
In addition to detecting SARS-CoV-2, the monitor has the potential to identify other common aerogenic viruses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This technology aims to provide early detection of airborne viruses, allowing for timely alerts and adjustments to airflow and circulation in a room to mitigate risks.
The project is a collaboration between specialists from various fields, including medical, energy, environmental, and chemical engineering, as well as neurology and psychiatry. The monitor consists of a biosensor and an air sampling device. The biosensor is an adaptation of a previously developed sensor used to detect beta-amyloid, a biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease. For this new purpose, the antibody was replaced with a nanoparticle capable of identifying the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The researchers highlight that this nanoparticle is small, easy to reproduce and modify, and inexpensive to produce.
The biosensor was then integrated into an air sampling device that utilizes a technique commonly used in industrial air pollution monitoring. The device’s high speed is attributed to its extremely high flow rate, which exposes the detector to a large volume of air compared to commercial air sampling equipment.
While the device is still in the conceptual phase, it has already undergone successful testing by comparing air samples from rooms of COVID-19 positive patients with control air samples. The team is actively working on bringing the air quality monitor to the commercial market.
This groundbreaking technology has the potential to revolutionize air quality monitoring, particularly in the context of controlling the spread of airborne diseases like SARS-CoV-2. By providing real-time detection and early warnings, this monitor could significantly contribute to ensuring safer environments in hospitals and public buildings.]
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