Up to the virus
IFP SB RAS scientists have created a method for the rapid detection of hepatitis and other viruses
The technology developed by the A.V. Rzhanov Institute of Semiconductor Physics SB RAS is based on a quartz resonator, which is used as a sensor – its sensitivity allows you to register the smallest particles and even single viruses.
Using the method of Novosibirsk scientists, it is possible to separate bacteria of different types and measure the strength of their connection with the surface – at the moment when particles break away from the plane, specialists emit a special acoustic signal. All this helps to detect single viruses and phages.
As noted by the Doctor of Chemical Sciences Fyodor Nikolaevich Dultsev, the method is based on the use of a quartz resonator in an active mode, which makes it possible to measure the bond breaking force of about a dozen piconewtons. Using this technology, particles larger than 10 nanometers are determined. To fix smaller fractions, additional fragments can be attached to them. The development allows us to solve a variety of tasks that require measuring the binding force of a particle to a surface: recently it was used to unwind the DNA double helix, and now the IFP is ready to use a new method for the search and study of hepatitis. According to the authors, the effectiveness and result will be no worse than that of the most expensive techniques.
– Using our development, it is possible not only to determine whether there is hepatitis in the sample, but also to study the structure of the particle, – says Fyodor Nikolaevich Dultsev. – It turned out that this virus is a structure consisting of loosely connected parts. When it clings to the surface, then it does not break away from it completely, but begins to fall apart into pieces. Our technology allowed us to see this.
Now scientists, together with the company MBA Technology, are developing a portable device with which it would be possible to conduct an express analysis and determine whether there is a virus in the sample being studied. According to Fyodor Nikolaevich Dultsev, among the advantages of the future product is a simple hardware part and simple preparation of samples for analysis. The production of an experimental batch of the device is possible as early as next year – at the same time it will become clear how affordable its cost will be. At first, the device is supposed to be used in laboratories, but it is possible that then it will be delivered to ordinary polyclinics and hospitals.
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17.03.2016