Smartphone-based technology helps in the rapid detection of Zika virus



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Leveraging nanoparticles and digital health technology, researchers turned a smartphone into a device that could detect Zika in a fast, low-cost test that could be deployed in resource-constrained environments.

test for couples who are trying to conceive, especially in places at high risk of infection.

"Zika diagnoses are urgently needed in many parts of the world and our goal is to address this unmet clinical need by using cell technology," said Brigham and Women's Senior Researcher Hadi Shafiee. s Hospital in the United States.

Researchers developed tiny platinum nanomotors that target Zika and microbeads that bind the virus. When both components are added to a sample containing Zika, they form a 3D complex that moves in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. This movement can be detected with the help of a smartphone connected to a low cost optical device.

This approach, known as NBC (Nocturne), detects Zika in samples with low viral concentrations. as one particle per microliter.

The system was able to accurately detect Zika even in the presence of other viruses through the uniqueness of the motion signal, the researchers said, in a detailed document in the ACS Nano journal.

"The NBC system has the potential to be used at the point of care for disease detection in both developed and developing countries," said Mohamed Shehata Draz, of the university.

"This is an important way to eliminate social stress related to Zika virus infection and health issues specifically related to newborns," Draz said. the research team intends to further explore and apply the approach to other viruses

– IANS

rt / mag / sac

(This story was not edited by Business Standard staff and is generated automatically from a syndicated feed.)

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