A System for On-Site Detection of Virus-Loaded Aerosol
This portable invention has applications in public and private spaces susceptible to airborne transmission of viruses. On-site near real-time viral detection devices can largely benefit indoor environments such as hospitals, clinics, care-homes, schools, colleges, airports, and cruise ships. General applications of this invention can be seen in industries that cater HVAC systems, air purification, and indoor air quality control and monitoring.
Researchers
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systems and methods for detecting microorganism or viral loaded aerosols
United States of America | Pending
Technology
This invention is a mobile device that integrates an air sampler with a highly sensitive viral RNA detection method for picking up SARS-CoV-2’s RNA signal in the atmosphere. The technology leverages a simple, one-step reaction known as reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) that acts specifically on viral RNA. RT-LAMP operates at 65 degree Celsius without the need of a heavy-duty thermal cycler commonly used for standard viral RNA detection, thereby enabling portability and on-site sampling of virus in the air. The device is designed to 1. collect aerosol from various locations through electrostatic precipitation, 2. concentrate aerosol in water through a combination of mechanical agitation and electric field, 3. extract viral RNA from aerosol and then 4. carry out chemical detection of viral RNA using RT-LAMP. By continuously sampling the air, the device can rapidly sense viral load increase beyond a certain threshold level. In the presence of potentially harmful concentrations of viruses, the system sends out an alarm to alert surrounding people that an evacuation or an air-exchange may be required for safety.
Problem Addressed
Airborne transmission is a dominant route for the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. Notably, recovery of viable SARS-CoV-2 from hospital rooms of COVID-19 patients points to potential aerosol-induced infections. With the rise of SARS-CoV-2 variants and the relaxation of social gathering guidelines, it is crucial to have a system that can detect and continuously monitor indoor environments for airborne viruses. This technology is an on-site monitoring and SARS-CoV-2 detection system that will inform when the air has exceeded a defined threshold level.
Advantages
- Portable device for any indoor environment of interest
- Rapid on-site detection adaptable for any type of airborne virus
- Near real-time monitoring of the presence of airborne virus
- Highly sensitive chemical RNA detection method via a simple, isothermal one-step
- Does not require a thermal cycler equipment commonly used for standard viral RNA detection
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