Upon detecting a viral charge in the air at a level that can be harmful to human health, the biosensor gives a warning signal.
Scientists at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) in Spain have developed a device that can directly detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the air.
“It can be used as a warning and control system to prevent infection by Covid-19 without having to perform PCR tests, analysing the quality of the air in crowded or dangerous spaces. This will make it possible to take health measures to prevent and warn about the spreading of Covid-19”
says one of the study’s authors, Sergi Morais.
The system includes a highly sensitive biosensor that monitors the presence of viral proteins (VLPs) in the environment.
“The biosensor uses specific antibodies that can detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the air,” the press release explains.
The researchers believe that their invention will help develop proposals to reduce the likelihood of infection in the interior of the hospital and help create new controls for the safety of secondary care centers, thus reducing the risk of transmission among the population.
The authors note that currently there are no analogues on the market – devices for direct measurement of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the atmosphere.