New Covid-19 testing method gives results in one second, say scientists

Scientists have developed a novel sensor system that can detect the novel coronavirus from saliva samples in one second which is way faster than current Covid19 diagnostic methodsDetecting the presence of the coronavirus requires amplifying the number of the viral biomarkers such as the copies of its genetic materialThis can be done either using a technique called the polymerase chain reaction PCR or amplifying the binding signal for a target biomarkerThe new rapid and sensitive test described in the Journal of Vacuum Science amp Technology B uses the second method but in a sophisticated wayThe reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction RTPCR test is widely regarded as the gold standard for Covid19 testing However some PCR tests may yield results in some hours or few days depending on if the samples are tested onsite or are sent elsewhere for testingAlso Read Govt urges states to make black fungus notifiable disease under Epidemic Diseases ActThe new test could alleviate slow Covid19 testing turnaround time issues said Minghan Xian an author and a chemical engineering doctoral candidate at the University of FloridaOur biosensor strip is similar to commercially available glucose test strips in shape with a small microfluidic channel at the tip to introduce our test fluid said XianWithin the microfluidic channel a few electrodes are exposed to the fluid in this case saliva samplesOne is coated with gold and Covid19relevant antibodies are attached to the gold surface through a chemical methodDuring measurement sensor strips are connected to a circuit board via a connectorA short electrical current gets sent between the gold electrode bonded with Covid19 antibody and the second electrode This signal is then returned to the circuit board for analysisOur sensor system a circuit board uses a transistor to amplify the electrical signal which then gets converted into a number on the screen said XianThe magnitude of this number depends on the concentration of antigen the viral protein present within our test solution the researcher saidWhile the systems sensor strips must be discarded after use the test circuit board is reusableThis can greatly reduce the cost of testing the researchers said The technology can not only detect Covid19 but can also be applied to other diseases they saidBy altering the type of antibodies attached to the gold surface we can repurpose the system to detect other diseases said Xian The results show the potential of this approach for the development of a portable lowcost and disposable cartridge sensor system for pointofcare detection of viral diseases the researchers addedThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever