New Innovative Device Detects Airborne COVID-19 Virus in Minutes

Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic with the development of a cutting-edge technology that enables real-time surveillance of airborne SARS-CoV-2 virus. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the scientific community has faced the challenge of detecting the virus in the air in real-time, but now a solution has emerged.

 The newly introduced pathogen Air Quality (pAQ) monitor has the potential to revolutionize the detection of SARS-CoV-2 aerosols. Unlike current offline air sampling techniques, which have limitations such as longer turnaround times and the need for skilled labor, the pAQ monitor offers real-time (5-minute time resolution) direct detection of the virus. This breakthrough is achieved by combining a high-flow wet cyclone air sampler with a nanobody-based ultrasensitive micro-immunoelectrode biosensor.

a pAQ monitor schematic showing the wet cyclone PILS coupled with the MIE detection unit comprising a submerged MIE biosensor connected to a potentiostat and automated liquid handling accessories, and b 3D rendering of the proposed pAQ monitor.

In laboratory experiments, the pAQ monitor has demonstrated remarkable performance. The wet cyclone, which samples the air, has shown comparable or even better virus sampling performance than commercially available samplers. The sensitivity of the device ranges from 77% to 83%, and it can detect viral RNA copies as low as 7-35 per cubic meter of air. These results indicate that the pAQ monitor is well-suited for surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants in indoor environments, providing a valuable tool for public health officials to implement rapid disease control measures.

 The significance of this technological advancement cannot be overstated. By enabling real-time detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the air, the pAQ monitor addresses a critical gap in current surveillance methods. Its adoption on a larger scale could have profound implications for public health strategies, allowing for quicker response times and more effective containment of the virus. Furthermore, the versatility of the pAQ monitor means it can be adapted for the multiplexed detection of other respiratory pathogens of interest, enhancing its utility in combating various infectious diseases.

 Although the pAQ monitor represents a major step forward, there are still challenges to overcome. The high noise levels during operation and the potential impact of interfering agents in the air need to be addressed to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the device. Continued research and refinement will be crucial to optimize the pAQ monitor for real-world deployment.

 In conclusion, the development of the pAQ monitor marks a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This breakthrough technology offers real-time detection of SARS-CoV-2 aerosols, providing a powerful tool for rapid surveillance and control of the virus. With further development and widespread adoption, the pAQ monitor has the potential to revolutionize public health strategies and contribute to the safe resumption of normal activities.

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Citation:

Puthussery, J.V., Ghumra, D.P., McBrearty, K.R. et al. Real-time environmental surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 aerosols. Nat Commun 14, 3692 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-39419-z

Image Credit:

Image by Lothar Dieterich from Pixabay