Virus detector

Researchers at University of Twente spin-out Ostendum have developed a prototype of a new system that can detect within minutes if an individual is infected with a virus.

The researchers claim that not only does the system carry out measurements many times faster than standard techniques, it is also portable, so it can be used anywhere.

The system itself consists of two parts: a lab-on-a-chip-system and a portable detector. The chip contains tiny channels that are coated with receptors. A sample of blood or saliva is transported to the channels with the help of a fluidic system, whereupon substances from the sample can bind with receptors on the chip.

Light from a laser is then guided through the channels, and if any of the substances have bonded with the receptors in any of the channels, the phase of the laser light changes. Measuring the phase change of the light then indicates whether or not any viruses are present.