
via Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University researchers reveal fastest known COVID-19 antibody test with high sensitivity due to a unique, 3D printing technology and an electrochemical reaction.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, have developed one of the fastest known COVID-19 antibody tests. The test results are available in 10 to 15 seconds and detect the presence of two of the antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Such a quick and effective test could be a game-changer for controlling the spread of the pandemic.
The breakthrough test would require a very small drop of blood from a fingertip (less than five microliters) to identify two antibodies of the virus: spike S1 protein and receptor binding domain (RBD). It can detect antibody concentrations at an extremely low level, one picomolar (0.15 nanograms per milliliter), through an electrochemical reaction within a handheld microfluidic device. Results are sent almost immediately to a simple interface on a smart phone. The device can be cleaned (i.e. regenerated) within one minute using a special chemistry discovered by the researchers that allows multiple, successive readings from the same device.
A simple yet elegant additive manufacturing technology called aerosol jet 3D printing is responsible for the efficiency and accuracy of this testing device. Tiny, inexpensive gold micropillar electrodes are printed at nanoscale using aerosol droplets that are thermally sintered together. This causes a rough, irregular surface that provides increased surface area of the micropillars and an enhanced electrochemical reaction, where antibodies can latch on to antigens coated on the electrode. The specific geometry allows the micropillars to load more proteins for detection, resulting in very accurate, quick results.
“This sensing platform can also be used to detect other infectious diseases, potentially affecting the course of pandemics.”
RAHUL PANAT, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
The test has a very low error rate since the binding reaction between the antibody and antigen used in the device is highly selective. This natural design was exploited by the researchers to their advantage.
The device, which has a provisional patent, is inexpensive to make (in the tens of dollars). And, the manufacturing capabilities already exist.
“My research team was working on 3D printed high-performance sensors to detect dopamine, a chemical in brain, when we realized that we could adapt our work for COVID-19 testing,” said?Rahul Panat, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon who uses specialized additive manufacturing techniques for research ranging from brain-computer interfaces to biomonitoring devices. “We shifted our research to apply our expertise to combatting this devastating pandemic.”
Knowing the work would require a multidisciplinary approach, Panat collaborated with Shou-Jiang Gao, leader of the Cancer Virology Program at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and professor of microbiology and molecular genetics at the University of Pittsburgh. Azahar Ali, a postdoctoral researcher in Panat’s Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Lab, was the lead author of the study. Their research findings are available on MedRxiv in anticipation of peer review.
“We’re sharing these results at the time of preprint and prior to peer review because of the significant, potential impact on public health,” said Panat.
This sensing platform can also be used for the detection of other infectious diseases.
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
COVID-19 Antibody Test
- San Diego Zoo gorillas close to full recovery from COVID-19on January 26, 2021 at 8:25 am
Several gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park are expected to make a full recovery weeks after testing positive ...
- Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine Works Against the New Mutant Strains. Is that Enough? – Jawebon January 26, 2021 at 7:57 am
First, the good news: in a study published Jan. 25 on a preprint server, Moderna says its COVID-19 vaccine continues to protect against two of the major mutant strains of SARS-CoV-2 circulating around ...
- Inactivated COVID-19 vaccines can be upgraded for variants in two months: China CDC experton January 26, 2021 at 7:55 am
China's COVID-19 vaccines based on the inactivated virus can be upgraded to cope with new variants in about two months, the Global Times reported on Tuesday citing an expert with the Chinese Center ...
- Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine Works Against the New Mutant Strains. Is that Enough?on January 26, 2021 at 7:21 am
However, in the study released on biorxiv by scientists from Moderna and their collaborators at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the researchers say that the level of ...
- QIAGEN (QGEN) Announces COVID-19 Test Updates as Cases Riseon January 26, 2021 at 7:00 am
QIAGEN N.V. QGEN recently announced two major updates on the COVID-19 testing front. Within Antigen Testing, the company announced its plans to resubmit Emergency Use Authorization application for its ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
COVID-19 Antibody Test
Go deeper with Bing News on:
COVID-19 Test
- Bangor schools remain closed while more bus drivers test positive for COVID-19on January 26, 2021 at 1:09 am
Bangor schools will remain closed for the entire week, after six more school bus drivers tested positive for COVID-19 and new cases were discovered among students and staff. Eleven Cyr Bus drivers and ...
- Moderna says its COVID-19 vaccine protects against new UK and South African variants but plans to test new booster shoton January 25, 2021 at 3:56 pm
Moderna says studies show its vaccine is effective against emerging strains of the coronavirus but plans to test a booster to its two-dose regimen.
- New COVID-19 test requirement for international flights to the US begins; are travelers (and airlines) ready?on January 25, 2021 at 2:56 pm
Beginning Tuesday, passengers will not be able to board international flights to the U.S. without a negative coronavirus test or proof of recovery.
- US Covid-19 test requirement for travelers: What you need to knowon January 25, 2021 at 2:27 pm
A new rule requiring air passengers 2 and older to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test result to enter the United States has sparked confusion and concern among travelers. Here's what you need to ...
- Where to get a COVID-19 test in the Richmond regionon January 25, 2021 at 11:00 am
There are hundreds of places to get a COVID-19 test in the Richmond region. Below are links to the Virginia Department of Health's website for you to access places to get tested in any of the ...