Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago IUIC) used graphene to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in laboratory experiments.
Context
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago IUIC) used graphene to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in laboratory experiments.
- Their findings were published in the American Chemical Society’s journal ACS Nano.
About the graphene test
- Researchers combined highly thin sheets of graphene.
- These sheets had an antibody designed to target the spike protein on the coronavirus
- Then the atomic-level vibrations of these graphene sheets were observed after being exposed to Covid-positive and Covid-negative samples in artificial saliva.
- It is a rapid technique.
- These sheets were also tested in the presence of other coronaviruses, like MERS-CoV.
- A difference was observed during the vibrations of the antibody-coupled graphene sheets when they were treated with a Covid-positive sample.
- No change was observed when treated with a Covid-negative sample or with other coronaviruses.
- Vibrational changes, measured with a device called a Raman spectrometer.
