Researchers from MIT and Harvard University are developing a biosensor for protective masks that tests for the coronavirus as reliably as PCR tests.
Cambridge (USA) – Groundbreaking invention from the USA – a biosensor developed by researchers. This can take over the work of an entire laboratory and can be attached to a face mask to protect against the coronavirus *. The pioneering work of researchers from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) could stop the spread of respiratory diseases.
| Private University in Cambridge, Massachusetts: | Harvard University |
| Address: | Cambridge, MA, United States |
| Phone: | +1 617-495-1000 |
| Tuition fee: | $ 51,925 (2019-20) |
| Admission rate: | 4.6% (2020) |
| Number of students: | 22,947 (2017) |
| Average SAT test results: | Reading and Writing 710-770, Math 750-800 (2019-20 |
| Average ACT Test Results: | 33-35 (2019-20) |
| Subsidiaries: | Harvard Medical School and much more |
Coronavirus infection: Harvard researchers develop biosensor for protective mask that detects transmission
But how does the biosensor work in detail? Fortunately, very easy. As the “Business Insider” reports, wearers breathe out into their masks for 15 to 30 minutes and press a button on the sensor. The wearers should receive their corona test results within a further 90 minutes.
Similar to a pregnancy test, these are displayed on a readout strip at the top. In the journal “Nature Biotechnology” the description for the biosensor was as follows: “For every single person who has this diagnostic face mask, you not only prevent the virus from spreading, but you can also determine relatively quickly whether they have the virus or not, ”says co-first author Peter Ngyuen, a researcher at the Harvard Wyss Institute.
Protective mask against corona infection: biosensor is based on previous Harvard research
The biosensor that can detect coronavirus infection is based on previous research by Wyss faculty member Jim Collins. Molecular machinery was extracted and ultimately freeze-dried to make it. In this way, a “fingerprint” can be used for the sensor to identify the coronavirus.
Background: Molecular machinery uses cells to identify genetic material such as DNA or RNA. The biosensor, in turn, is activated by pressing a button, after which some water is released. The liquid rehydrates the freeze-dried components. A technology that will also be used to identify other pathogens.
Protection against a new pandemic? Corona biosensor should be able to recognize individual mutants such as the Delta variant
The influenza virus is mentioned as an example. The detection is even so precise that a distinction can be made between the individual variants of the coronavirus. This includes the delta variant, which not least keeps Germany in suspense *. Co-first author Luis Soenksen from the Wyss Institute is convinced that chemical substances can also be recognized on military suits, for example.
With the development of a diagnostic tool within a protective mask, many obstacles to real-time testing could be removed. According to researchers, the test sensitivity is comparable to that of RT-PCR tests. In this case, the “RT” stands for “real time”. The biosensor prototype would cost just $ 5 without packaging.
The end product, as it is supposed to come to market, could be made for even less. The corresponding team is still looking for commercial partners who can help with the production of the biosensor. Provided that it is known which pathogen is being searched for, the next pandemic could be stopped early with the built-in virus sensors, writes the “Business Insider”. But it still remains a pious wish. * Kreiszeitung.de and 24hamburg.de are offers from IPPEN.MEDIA.
