Optical Biosensor Rapidly Detects Monkeypox Virus
November 14, 2024
Researchers from UC San Diego and Boston University have developed a rapid optical biosensor to diagnose mpox, a significant step forward in combating the virus’s spread. Current diagnostics rely on costly, time-consuming PCR tests, unsuitable for fast-moving outbreaks. The new sensor can identify mpox in just 20 minutes with high specificity, distinguishing it from similar viruses. This innovation is crucial for resource-limited regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo, where mpox has caused a 5% mortality rate. With support for commercialization, this technology could revolutionize global epidemic responses, enabling faster diagnosis, treatment, and containment of infectious diseases like mpox.
A groundbreaking optical biosensor developed by researchers from UC San Diego and Boston University offers a transformative solution for diagnosing mpox, particularly in resource-limited regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the virus has caused a 5% mortality rate since 2023. Unlike current diagnostics that rely on expensive, time-consuming PCR testing, the new biosensor delivers results in just 20 minutes, offering clinicians a faster, cost-effective tool for identifying mpox and initiating timely interventions.
Using a digital detection platform called Pixel-Diversity Interferometric Reflectance Imaging Sensor (PD-IRIS), the test combines engineering precision with biological expertise. The method involves binding mpox-specific antibodies to viral particles, which are then fixed onto silicon chips. By shining red and blue light on the chips, the sensor detects unique interference signals, distinguishing mpox from similar viruses like herpes simplex or cowpox. This specificity ensures accurate diagnoses and helps mitigate community spread in areas with limited healthcare resources.
Beyond its speed and accuracy, the biosensor’s versatility allows for potential expansion into diagnostics for other infectious diseases, including syphilis and HIV. Researchers envision mass-producing kits for clinics, further reducing costs and enabling widespread use. However, commercialization will require significant government support, as the market for diagnostics targeting emerging epidemics remains underdeveloped.
As healthcare providers and policymakers grapple with the ongoing mpox outbreak in the DRC and its potential to escalate globally, innovations like this biosensor are critical. Faster, more affordable diagnostic tools not only improve patient outcomes but also enhance epidemic preparedness. By prioritizing technologies like the PD-IRIS biosensor, the global health community can take a proactive approach to curbing outbreaks before they become pandemics, safeguarding public health on an international scale.