DUBAI: Researchers from NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a sticking plaster that can detect COVID-19 infections in “real time.”
Blood is drawn from a pinprick to a finger, the plaster is applied, and then embedded gold “nanoparticles” indicate the presence of antibodies.
The researchers said that results were almost immediate, the method is affordable, and the test could potentially be modified to detect as-yet unknown pathogens in future pandemics.
The most commonly used at-home tests for COVID-19 take 15-20 minutes and are prone to false readings due to factors such as improper use and contamination.
Lead researcher Prof. Mohammad Qasaimeh said that “real-time” screening for viral infection with the new method could play “a crucial role in preventing future outbreaks and pandemics by enabling early detection.”
“It opens up possibilities for generating location-based heat maps to allow for the early identification of infected individuals, including those who are asymptomatic.
“By promptly isolating and treating these individuals, the spread of the virus can be significantly reduced.”
Muhammedin Deliorman, one of the authors of the study, said the NYU Abu Dhabi team would explore the new test’s potential for detecting and screening other viruses.
“We also plan to incorporate biodegradable porous microneedles, enabling efficient finger pricking,” he said.
The research was published in the Microsystems and Nanoengineering journal.
