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COVID -19 is still a relatively new virus, with sub -variants emerging almost monthly. But since the locking and mask mandate has been lifted, researchers have developed several versions of a vaccine. In addition, scientists are about to identify potential long biomarker , which would be the first discovery of the genre. And now researchers say that a inexpensive portable test may soon be available. In addition, it could also detect other serious health problems.

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NASRED (rapid electronic detection supported by nanoparticles) is a new diagnostic test developed by researchers from Arizona State University who can identify viral and bacterial infections, including COVID-19, EBOLA, AIDS and Lyme, in less than 15 minutes.

This is a simple and portable test that costs $ 2, uses a single drop of blood and could have a significant impact on patient care. Nasred accompaniment research has recently been published in the journal ACS nano.

In an interview Xpress Medical , main study author Chao Wang explained how Nasred has light years before traditional laboratory tests.

"We have the speed and ease of use of a rapid antigen test with a sensitivity that is even better than laboratory tests," said Wang, an associate professor at the Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics of the ASU, as well as the electrical, computer and energy engineering school. "It's very difficult to achieve."

As for the functioning of the diagnostic tool, "some nanoparticles carry antibodies, tiny molecules which act as magnets. Antibodies stick to proteins released by viruses or bacteria when they infect the body. Other nanoparticles carry antigens, protein fragments drawn directly from viruses or bacteria themselves.

“Once wrapped, these nanoparticles are combined with a small sample of body fluid, such as a drop of blood, saliva or nasal fluid. If a disease is present, most nanoparticles will sink into the tube. If there is no disease, they will remain in suspension throughout the liquid, ”continue.

In order to determine this, the researchers have created an LED sensor which detects the presence of a disease according to the amount of light which crosses the upper layer of liquid in the bottle. "More light means that nanoparticles have flowed downwards, leaving the upper fluid lighter, which means that the disease is present," explains Medical Xpress.

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In the case of COVID-19, NASRED "allows the detection of antibodies and antigens of a small volume of sample" and "distinguishes the viral antigens from those of human coronaviruses and provides test results in <15 minutes", explain the authors of the study.

Although the disturbing threat of long -term potential side effects (and morality) associated with COVID has decreased in the past year, the severity of the disease remains - and continues to be a concern with each new variant.

Earlier this summer, we reported not one, but two , Emerging Variants COVID-19: NB.1.8.1 or "Nimbus" And XFG or "Stratus". Nimbus first touched the landing in the United States in March and was quickly nicknamed the variant of the "razor blade" after patients with throat said that he felt like he was swallowing sharp metal objects. However, with stratus, patients report a hoarseness and a hoarse voice.

But with Nasred, infected individuals could get answers as soon as possible, after the first start of symptoms, thanks to early detection. Researchers said the device had the potential to detect other diseases from the start, such as hepatitis C, HIV and Lyme disease.

"With low reactive costs and an imprint of the compact system, this modular digital platform is well suited to a precise and almost patient diagnosis and a wide range of infectious and chronic diseases," they concluded.

According to a ASU press release , Nasred currently "requires small football machines for spinning and mixing samples". But the researchers hope that with subsequent development, "technology could one day become a practical home test, similar to the rapid 19" tests. »»