Scientists grow new framework for direct location of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols

Scientists grow new framework for direct location of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols

Overview

  • Post By : Kumar Jeetendra

  • Source: Asociación RUVID

  • Date: 28 Dec,2020

Researchers in the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), in collaboration with specialists from the University of Valencia (UV), have produced a new system based on a high-sensitivity mass biosensor that continuously monitors signals for the immediate detection of SARS-CoV-2 in environmental aerosols. The device, in prototype stage, makes it possible to appraise the quality of the atmosphere and allows an early detection of this virus in inside spaces such as homes, classrooms, restaurants, cinemas or way of transportation.

“This method of spreading is gaining importance, which is why preventive control strategies must take into account the spreading of this virus through aerosols for a successful mitigation of SARS-CoV-2. The system we have developed is based on a mass biosensor that uses specific antibodies that may detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the atmosphere,” highlights ángel Maquieira, professor of the Department of Chemistry and director at the Institute of Molecular Recognition and Technologic Development (IDM) at the UPV.

The preliminary studies have been conducted using virus-like particles (VLP) that are not infective and that have been developed by Luis Martínez Gil, María Jesús García Murria and Ismael Mingarro, from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BIOTECMED Institute) in the UV.

The biosensor has been assessed on a laboratory scale; it detects VLPs in the air in an environment that simulates having a high viral charge, providing a signal linked to the viral charge present in the atmosphere. This way, by detecting a viral charge at a level that can be harmful for people’s health, it would issue a warning signal. Therefore, it is a biosensor that can detect SARS-CoV-2 in critical concentration amounts.”

Augusto Juste, Pre-Doctoral Researcher, IDM Institute of the UPV

According to the UV researchers, VLPs are viral membranous particles that mimic the virus but which do not comprise its genome, meaning that they are not infective. In the specific instance of SARS-CoV-2, the VLPs obtained in the UV contain the four structural elements of the virus, the spicula protein (S), the wrapped protein (E), the majoritarian protein of its membrane (M) and the protein of the nucleocapsid (N), meaning they contain all of the components of the structure of this virus that empower its recognition by antibodies, in addition to by other immune system reactions.

For Sergi Morais, fellow researcher in the IDM of the UPV, it’s a development that is”very promising, as it may be utilised as a warning and management system to reduce infection by Covid-19 without having to perform PCR tests, analyzing the quality of the air in crowded or dangerous spaces. This will make it feasible to take health measures to prevent and warn about the spreading of Covid-19.”

Assessment in the Hospital General Universitari of Castelló
The methodology and prototype developed by the IDM group is currently in the assessment phase on a hospital level, in a study which is being conducted in collaboration with the Preventive Medicine and Care Quality service of the Hospital General Unversitari of Castelló, led by Mario Carballido Fernández.

“The outcome of the study will make it possible to think of management proposals to decrease the chance of contagion in inner health-related spaces. Furthermore, it should help establish new management elements for the security of secondary care centers which help protect the health of the patients and the health care staff, to thus reduce the risk of transmission to the general public. With the arrival of the winter and the closure of terraces, it is crucial to guarantee that closed spaces are safe areas” says Carballido.

The biosensor of the IDM-UPV conducts direct measurements and also stands our because of its ease of use, low cost and versatility. “There is currently no marketed competitive technology such as the one we have developed on a prototype level, and it may become the’virus-meter’ in the near future,” concludes UPV lecturer David Giménez-Romero.

The development of this prototype was funded by the Innovation, Universities, Science and Digital Society Council of the Valencia regional government, in the frame of this call the members of the Innovation System of the Valencia Region issued back in March to develop innovative solutions in the struggle against the coronavirus.

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