NASA makes biometric sensor for bacterial detection

The NASA has developed a new nanotechnology-based biometric sensor that detects bacteria, viruses and parasites.

This new bio-sensor works to stop the spread of dangerous pathogens in water, food and other sources.

NASA's Ames Research Center (in California) will partner with Early Warning Inc. (New York) to develop applications of this sensor. In the immediate future, the device will be configured to recognize microbial strains associated with waterborne diseases.

The pathogen will be detected by NASA's new bio-sensor. Photo: KTH School of EE

"This sensor uses ultra-sensitive carbon nanotubes, which are capable of detecting very dangerous low-level biological agents , " says Meyya Meyyappan, chief scientist in nanotechnology at Ames. .

When the presence of a harmful agent is detected, the sensor emits an electrical signal, and experts will process the signal to identify microorganisms and their levels in the sample. Because nanotubes are extremely small, a biological sensor can hold millions of nanotubes.

According to Early Warning, food companies, beverage companies, water management agencies, industrial enterprises, hospitals and airlines can use the sensor to stop the spread. Disease caused by pathogens, without the need for laboratories or technicians.

"The biological dangers of pathogens and infectious diseases occur daily in the United States and around the world ," said Neil Gordon, President of Early Warning . Important measures to prevent outbreaks of disease should be routine and comprehensive testing to detect suspected pathogens, because most pathogens are not usually detected until someone is sick or dead'. "Pathogens - which come from a number of sources that are very difficult to detect - can enter the water supply and food chain," he said.

Early Warning expects to market water-borne biological sensors later this year.