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Coronaviruses

Rapid Graphene Oxide-Based Sensor Platform for Infectious Disease Diagnosis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM have developed a graphene oxide-based sensor platform that can detect acute infections, such as sepsis or the coronavirus, within minutes using just a single drop of blood or saliva. This rapid test provides certainty within 15 minutes, replacing the need for lengthy blood work in laboratories. The sensor platform has the potential to revolutionize the field of infectious disease diagnosis, enabling early detection and prevention of further spread.

Key Takeaways:

  • The graphene oxide-based sensor platform can detect acute infections, such as sepsis or the coronavirus, within minutes using just a single drop of blood or saliva.
  • The test provides certainty within 15 minutes, replacing the need for lengthy blood work in laboratories.
  • The sensor platform uses graphene oxide, an electrically conductive and biocompatible material, to detect biomarkers in response to an infection.
  • The 3D structure of the graphene oxide flakes increases the measuring surface and the accuracy of measurements.
  • The sensor platform has the potential to detect harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide or acetone, even at room temperature.
  • Fraunhofer IZM researchers are working with partners to scale up the production process for mass manufacturing.
  • The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and involves partners such as Charit, Aptarion Biotech AG, and Technische Universität Berlin.

Statistics:

  • The sensor platform can detect biomarkers in response to an infection using a single drop of blood or saliva.
  • The test provides results within 15 minutes, replacing the need for lengthy blood work in laboratories.
  • The 3D structure of the graphene oxide flakes increases the measuring surface and the accuracy of measurements.
  • The sensor platform has the potential to detect harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide or acetone, even at room temperature.
  • The project is expected to run until spring 2021, with the coronavirus application expected to be verified in about one year.

Sources:

  • Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM
  • Charit
  • Aptarion Biotech AG
  • Technische Universität Berlin
  • MicroDiscovery GmbH
  • alpha-board GmbH
  • German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
  • [ Euclid Infotech Pvt. Ltd.] 2020, distributed by Contify.com

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