Washington University researchers have introduced a groundbreaking biosensor that detects airborne H5N1 bird flu in under five minutes. Developed in the Chakrabarty lab, this device marks a significant advancement in monitoring pathogens that threaten poultry and dairy farms.
The biosensor utilizes electrochemical capacitive technology to achieve rapid and sensitive detection of viral and bacterial particles. This development comes at a crucial time as the H5N1 avian influenza virus has begun transmitting through airborne particles to mammals, raising significant public health concerns.
Professor Rajan Chakrabarty stated, “This biosensor is the first of its kind,” highlighting its efficiency in detecting pathogens compared to the traditional methods that could take over 10 hours. The need for quicker testing methods became imperative as the virus evolved to become airborne, increasing the risk of widespread outbreaks.
The device functions by sampling air from farm vents and analyzing it through a sophisticated biosensor integrated within a unit the size of a desktop printer.
This technology not only identifies the presence of the virus but also measures the concentration of viral particles, providing crucial data for immediate response and mitigation strategies.