A fast and inexpensive device to capture and identify viruses

EurekAlert  December 23, 2019
Currently, virologists estimate that 1.67 million unknown viruses are in animals, a number of which can be transmitted to humans. A team of researchers in the US (Pennsylvania State University, New York University) synthesized a gradient of aligned carbon nanotube forest arrays to capture different viruses and detect them in-situ Raman spectroscopy to identify the viruses based on their individual vibration. They designed and assembled a portable platform that enriches virus particles from several milliliters of clinical samples in a couple of minutes. They added gold nanoparticles to enhance the Raman signal to detect the virus molecule in very low concentrations. Machine learning techniques were used to create a library of virus types. The device, called VIRRION, has a wide range of possible uses for early detection of a virus in the field, livestock and humans. The device is portable, can detect viruses in minutes. It is small and low in cost…read more.

This is an array of nanotubes decorated with gold nanoparticles captures virus molecules. Credit: Terrones Lab/Penn State

Posted in Sensors and tagged , .

Leave a Reply