A patented method for single biomolecule detection that overcomes the limitations of current technologies may help in the fight against covid-19.
Purdue University researchers created the method, which uses a special sensor similar to a computer chip. The application-specific integrated circuit chip is designed for the early detection of a number of pathogens and viruses.
“We want to find partners to move this technology to the public as soon as we can to help in covid-19 testing,” says Saeed Mohammadi, PhD, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Purdue University. “We know it can be an effective, easy, and inexpensive method for detecting viruses, potentially the one linked to the current pandemic.”
The Purdue technique involves the use of machine learning to train the system to detect certain features associated with particular diseases and viruses. Then, when a sample is run through the system, it can detect those features and confirm the presence of particular viruses and diseases. Simulations have shown this technique may be effective in detecting covid-19.
The method uses a metal-oxide semiconductor sensor with embedded nanofluidic channels. As a biomolecule moves through the channel, a high-frequency current is measured that contains information about the biomolecule—such as the type of nucleotides in the case of DNA/RNA—which can be used to classify the molecule.
“This method does not have the problems associated with other nanopore techniques because it does not require the difficult drilling of extremely small nanopores, can detect four nucleotides at a time, and is not significantly affected by the rotation or position of the biomolecule in the channel,” says Mohammadi.
Mohammadi says the technology is simple enough that a manufacturer could use it to develop a test kit that could be used at home for virus and disease detection.
Read more from Purdue University.
Featured image: An application-specific integrated circuit chip with an array of sensors. Image courtesy Purdue University.
