Researchers Develop Improved Covid and Other Virus Test

Scientists at Materials Research Department of GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung (Helmholtz Center for Heavy Ion Research), working together with colleagues from Argentina and the US, have come up with a sensor that can detect SARS-Cov-2 and other virus within two hours from saliva, serum and wastewater samples.

Not only is the test, co-developed Argentina’s National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) and the University of Illinois, fast and accurate. Unlike the PCR tests now in use, it’s also capable of distinguishing whether a sample is infectious or whether a person is contagious.

The key to the new test is nanopore technology, which involves thin polymer films being irradiated with high-energy heavy ion projectiles.

“Our vision is to integrate the functionalized nanopore membrane into a portable device for rapid and efficient virus detection and diagnosis,” said Christina Trautmann, head of the GSI Materials Research Department, in a statement.