Air monitor detects airborne virus particles in real time
By 
Julia Robinson2023-07-14T13:32:00
Device that detects Sars-CoV-2 could be adapted to monitor other respiratory pathogens
A new pathogen air quality monitor can detect Sars-CoV-2 virus in the air in real time. The researchers who developed the proof-of-concept device say that it is suited for surveillance of Sars-CoV-2 variants in indoor environments like hospitals and patient isolation rooms, and could be adapted for the detection of other respiratory pathogens of interest.
The monitor combines a high flow wet cyclone air sampler and a nanobody-based biosensor. Air that enters the sampler comes into contact with a rotating film of phosphate-buffered saline solution, which traps any virus particles before being pumped to the biosensor.