Researchers at the University of California San Diego and Boston University have developed an optical biosensor that can rapidly detect monkeypox, a potentially deadly virus. Monkeypox was recently declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by WHO due to its severity and potential for global spread.
The new detection system, called Pixel-Diversity interferometric reflectance imaging sensor (PD-IRIS), leverages light interference to detect the virus in lesions from infected patients. This innovative technology can provide results within two minutes, compared to the days or weeks required for traditional PCR testing.
The lead author of the study highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and isolation of infected individuals to prevent the spread of the virus. The PD-IRIS biosensor is cost-effective and can efficiently process a high volume of samples, making it a valuable tool in the fight against monkeypox.
In addition to detecting monkeypox, the sensor was also able to discriminate between similar viruses like herpes simplex and cowpox. This breakthrough in diagnostic technology has the potential to improve the speed and accuracy of identifying infectious diseases, ultimately helping to control outbreaks and save lives.
The study was recently published in the journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics, showcasing the promise of this new optical biosensor in the field of infectious disease detection. Its ability to provide real-time data in just 20 minutes could revolutionize how we approach the diagnosis and management of viral infections like monkeypox.
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