Mobile devices can detect viruses in minutes

Imagine that you can spot someone infected with the virus in just a few minutes. This is no longer just a fantasy but a reality thanks to a super-induction detection device developed by Ostendum, a University of Twente company.

The company has just completed the first prototype and is hoping to launch the first version of the device in the market by the end of 2010. This device not only performs measurements many times faster. Compared to other standard devices, it is portable, so it can be used anywhere.

Ostendum's Aurel Ymeti (R&D director), Alma Dudia (Senior Researcher) and Paul Nederkoorn (CEO) have stated that if they have antibodies suitable for swine flu, they can point out presence of virus within 5 minutes. In addition to viruses, the device can also search for bacteria, proteins and DNA molecules.

Following the outbreak of swine flu, the problem of finding a simple and fast means of detecting people infected with the virus once again attracted a lot of interest in this program. Doing so is essential to prevent the spread of the virus as soon as possible. However, the existing technical facilities have not found results after hours or even after a few days.However, tests cannot take place without a trained laboratory or staff.

Researchers at Ostendum, a University of Twente company that has developed a mobile device can show results in minutes when a person is infected with any virus. This system can detect both the virus and the specific bacteria, proteins or DNA molecules, the more or less the collection in a person's saliva can also be detected when the person suffer from certain diseases.

Presented as a diagram of the sensor: light from the laser machine is controlled from a waveform oriented structure (called a chip) where the reference and measuring channels are set.Different forms of antibodies are very clear for the specified microscopic details (or forms of microscopic details) first fixed on each measuring channel.The liquid from a sample object entering a specific channel on the chip via a micro-liquid system (not shown on the diagram above) is connected to the channel reference and measuring on the chip.When a microscopic object such as a virus appears in the analyzed sample, combined with the corresponding antibody on the chip, the interference pattern of the light changes - this is recorded on a CCD camera.An accurate analysis of the change of this intervention model also provides information on which number of viruses are within a clear range in a predefined channel on the chip, this also means the The collection of microscopic objects in the sample can be decided.This method is very fast and simple and also very sensitive.(Photos provided by University of Twente)

The only thing that Ostendum detection method needs is some saliva or blood or liquid form from a tested person and a specific receptor is available (eg a substance combined with microscopic entities specifically or biologically). For example, in the case of virus, a specific antibody works when a chip-receptor and antibody for that virus are ready to be applied to this basic detection method.

Prototype

Ymeti proved throughout his doctoral studies in 2007 about the principles behind the detection device. At that time, he used a huge experimental device.Ostendum Company was opened later in 2008 to develop this principle into business products.

The company has completed the first prototype of this device and it is still operating on two other devices. These three prototypes underwent practical tests, in a collaboration including Laboratorium Microbiologie Twente Achterhoek and Zwanenberg food corporation. Ostendum will take further steps to design a device based on the results of the test and the expectations of having the first device to be introduced on the market by the end of 2010.

How it works

This device consists of two parts: a chip lap room system and a moving detection unit. The chip-based defense system is a miniature laboratory of 1 chip. Chips containing small channels are surrounded by receptors. Samples like blood saliva are delivered to the channels with the help of the fluid system. Substances from saliva and blood can then be combined with on-chip receptors. The light from the ze is led through the channels. If there are any additives associated with receptors in any channel, it will change the light phase. Such a change will be reflected in the delivery pattern, and this is a fingerprint identification device for any type of virus that is now an example, or biomarkers. This method is very sensitive: it can measure the combination of a single virus element.