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Novel biosensors quickly detect coronavirus proteins, antibodies

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Categories
    Science & Technology
  • Published
    3rd Feb, 2021

Scientists have developed new protein-based biosensors for faster detection of coronavirus or specific COVID-19 antibodies

Context

  • Scientists have developed new protein-based biosensors for faster detection of coronavirus or specific COVID-19 antibodies.

How do these biosensors function?

  • These protein-based devices recognise specific molecules on the surface of the virus.
  • They bind to them and then emit light through a biochemical reaction.
  • When mixed with fluid from a nasal swab or blood sample, these protein sensors emit light within minutes.
  • Antibody testing can reveal whether a person has had COVID-19 in the past.
  • These sensors do not react to other antibodies that might also be in the blood, including those that target other viruses.

Biosensors

  • These are devices used to detect the presence or concentration of a biological analyte, such as a biomolecule, a biological structure or a microorganism.
  • Biosensor typically consists of
  • Bio-receptor: enzyme/antibody/cell/nucleic acid/aptamer
  • Transducer component:semi-conducting material/nanomaterial
  • Eectronic system: signal amplifier, processor & display
  • The bio-receptor uses biomolecules from organisms or receptors modeled after biological systems to interact with the analyte of interest.

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