2023-07-10 17:54:58
New Device Developed by Washington University Could Reduce Infection Risk of COVID-19 and Other Pathogens
Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, has made a groundbreaking development that could have a significant impact on public health. Scientists at the university have successfully created a measuring device that can detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as other pathogens, within just five minutes. The details of this development have been published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Communications.
The key to this cutting-edge technology lies in the use of nanobodies, which are small antibodies derived from llamas. These nanobodies have been engineered to specifically recognize the spike protein, which is found on the surface of the coronavirus. Not only are these nanobodies easy to reproduce, but they are also cost-effective to manufacture. Carla Yuede, one of the study’s authors, explains that the electrochemical approach based on nanobodies allows for faster virus detection, as it eliminates the need for reagents or complex processing steps.
The new device has a significantly higher flow rate compared to other samplers, allowing it to capture a larger volume of air within a five-minute sampling period. Even though the amount of virus in the air of a room may be diluted, the device has successfully detected the presence of the virus in the air of two bedrooms housing COVID-19 positive patients. This detection was made possible due to the device’s high flow rate, resulting in a higher “virus yield.” However, the detector did not detect the virus in air samples from the rooms of healthy control individuals.
If further tests prove successful, the team hopes to develop detection methods for other common pathogens, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Additionally, the device could be used in hospitals to measure bacterial pathogens like staphylococci or streptococci.
Neurologist John Cirrito emphasizes the significance of this development, stating, “Right now there is no way to tell us how safe a room is. When you’re in a room with 100 people, you don’t want to find out five days later if you might be sick or not. The idea behind our device is that you can know in real time or every five minutes if there’s a sick person here, there is live virus.”
This breakthrough invention by Washington University has the potential to revolutionize infection control measures in hospitals, schools, and other public institutions. By providing real-time and rapid detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and other pathogens, this device could significantly reduce the risk of infections and contribute to the overall health and safety of communities worldwide.]
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