Detection of COVID-19 using face mask within 90 minutes with the help of synthetic biology sensors




This situation is too severe by COVID-19. It is tough to find out the COVID affected persons. How is it, by using the face masks we detect the COVID-19 affections? Let’s see about it.

 A team of researchers from MIT and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University have developed a wearable biosensor technology that can help face masks detect COVID-19 in your breath.



 This biosensor was a lightweight, flexible substrate and textiles functionalized with freeze-dried, cell-free synthetic circuits, with CRISPR- based tools, embedded with colorimetric genetic circuits with cellulose substrate surrounded by a fluid wicking and containment assembly made of flexible elastomers. These prototypes were assembled layer-by-layer to form reaction chambers fluidically connected to sample portals. Each layer is fabricated from skin-safe silicone elastomer.

 One of the researchers from this team, Peter Nguyen said that they had brought a whole lab into a small sensor that would work with any mask, and added that the technology brought together the accuracy of the PCR tests, which are being used as a standard COVID 19 tests globally.



 The sensor is activated with buttons and gives results on a readout strip within 90 minutes, researchers say. They add that levels of accuracy are comparable to standard PCR COVID tests, which detect the virus' genetic material using a lab technique called polymerase chain reaction.



 These wearable biosensors have now been attached to standard KN95 face masks to successfully detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a person's breath, according to a study published this week in Nature Biotechnology.

 The researchers first applied this technology to diagnostics by integrating it into a tool to address the Zika Virus outbreak in 2015. This biosensor can also be programmed and integrated into other garments so that on the go detection of dangerous pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, toxins and chemical agents. By this detection method, we can easily identify the affected persons, and give treatments faster and earlier, and save them.

 

 

 
S. Sakthikumar
 
M. Naveenkumar



 


Comments

Most Popular Posts