A groundbreaking air monitor has been developed by a team of scientists, making it easier to detect virus variants in indoor spaces. The monitor utilizes specialized technology that can quickly identify COVID-19 variants within just five minutes. The research, conducted by the engineering and medicine schools at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, was published in Nature Communications.
Dr. Joseph Puthussery, the first author of the research, and co-author Dr. Carla Yuede explained that this device can be installed in hospitals, airports, office spaces, theaters, or any crowded indoor location where there is a high risk of virus transmission and inadequate ventilation. The aim is to provide a rapid and efficient tool for monitoring the presence of COVID-19 variants.
One of the challenges faced by airborne aerosol detectors is the diluted nature of indoor air, making it difficult to detect COVID-19 particles. Co-author Rajan Chakrabarty, a researcher at Washington University, compared it to finding a needle in a haystack. However, the team claims to have overcome this issue with their real-time air monitor.
The idea for the project came from the team’s curiosity about whether a micro-immunoelectrode biosensor, originally designed for detecting Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, could be modified to detect SARS-CoV-2. The biosensor, called a MIE biosensor, contains an immobilized antibody on its surface and uses an electrochemical detection method.
The team replaced the antibody in the biosensor with a “nanobody” that recognizes the spike protein from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This modified biosensor was then integrated into an air monitor equipped with high-speed wet cyclone technology for sampling indoor air. The researchers conducted simulations to determine the optimal size and sampling flow rate for capturing the virus particles.
The custom-built air sampler, measuring only one foot wide by 10 inches tall, efficiently traps and detects COVID-19 virus particles within five minutes. The high flow rate of the sampler allows it to sample a larger volume of air, making it more sensitive and specific to the target of interest. When the monitor detects the presence of the virus, it emits a visual signal, alerting individuals in the room to improve airflow and circulation.
The researchers tested the monitor’s efficacy by collecting air samples from COVID-19 contaminated rooms and a control room. The monitor successfully detected virus particles in the contaminated rooms, while no viral particles were found in the control room. These promising results indicate the potential of the monitor to provide real-time data to help people identify areas with a high presence of the virus and take appropriate precautions.
While the monitor is still at the proof-of-concept stage, the research team is actively working on commercializing it. They also have plans to expand the capabilities of the monitor to detect other common viruses, such as influenza, RSV, and rhinovirus.
However, the researchers acknowledge the current limitation of the monitor, which is the high noise level during its operation. Efforts are being made to reduce the noise levels to ensure the comfort and well-being of occupants in a building.
In conclusion, this innovative air monitor developed by the team at Washington University has the potential to revolutionize the detection of virus variants in indoor spaces. Its fast, efficient, and sensitive detection capabilities make it a valuable tool for monitoring and safeguarding against COVID-19 transmission. With further development, this monitor could play a crucial role in public health measures and provide individuals with peace of mind when attending crowded indoor events.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
