TOKYO: Scientists have developed a new method for identifying individual viral particles based on changes in electrical current as they pass through ultra-small pores, an advance that they believe could lead to new rapid COVID-19 tests.
The study, published in the journal ACS Sensors, demonstrated a novel system for identifying individual viral particles using an algorithm trained to detect changes in the current passing through the silicon nanopores.
According to scientists, including those from Osaka University in Japan, the work could lead to rapid and accurate screening tests for diseases like COVID-19 and influenza.
In the new method, the scientists said that a layer of the silicon nitride compound just 50 nanometers (nm) thick added tiny nanopores.
The layer is suspended on a silicon wafer, they said, adding that when a voltage difference is applied to the solution on both sides of the wafer, ions travel through the nanopores in a process called electrophoresis.
According to the study, the movement of ions can be monitored by the current they generate, and when a viral particle enters a nanopore, it blocks the passage of some ions, leading to a transient drop in current.
Each dip reflects the particle’s physical properties, such as volume, surface charge and shape, the scientists said, adding that this measurement can be used to identify the type of virus.
Using artificial intelligence (AI), the research team built a trained classification algorithm with signals from known viruses to determine the identity of new samples.
Scientists said the computer can discriminate differences in electric current waveforms that cannot be identified by human eyes, which allows highly accurate classification of viruses.
In addition to the coronavirus, they said the system has been tested with pathogens such as adenovirus, influenza A and influenza B.
“By combining single-particle nanopore detection with artificial intelligence, we were able to achieve highly accurate identification of multiple viral species,” explained senior study author Makusu Tsutsui of Osaka University.
Researchers believe coronaviruses are particularly well suited for this technique as their spiky outer proteins can even allow for separate classification of different strains.
“This work will help with the development of a virus test kit that surpasses conventional viral inspection methods,” said Tomoji Kawai, another co-author of the study.
Compared to other rapid tests such as PCR or antibody-based screens, the researchers said the new method is much faster and requires no expensive reagents.
They believe the new technique could lead to better diagnostic tests for emerging viruses that cause infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
The 5 most sought after skills in a post-Covid workplace
Upskilling Need Of The Hour
Upkilling is on the agenda, either because your industry has been affected, because you have been asked to leave, or simply because you are considering a change. And the new normal means that some abilities will be highly sought after in the post COVID-19 world, as many of our usual ways of life have changed. Employees around the world are forced to adapt to digital infrastructure and work remotely. This requires the acquisition of new skills, not only technical but also transversal skills to make a gradual transition to the new way of working. Lakshmi Mittra, VP – Center of Excellence (CoE) and Clover Academy, Clover Infotech, share the best skills that in a post-covid world:
Troubleshooting
Problem solving skills become essential in a remote working scenario. As employees collaborate and communicate virtually, this can raise a number of challenges. Problem-solving skills allow employees to approach problems rationally and see them as opportunities. In this way, they can identify the most effective methods to correct situations and ensure the smooth running of business operations.
Command
Current global crises have not only tested employees’ abilities to work in a remote work environment, but also their emotional resilience. With some companies announcing remote work until the end of 2020, it has become imperative for managers to develop strong leadership qualities to manage teams remotely, inspire and bring out the best in them through results-based management. Companies are running courses to enable their executives and middle management teams to better plan and manage their work and build camaraderie among their teams remotely.
Cyber security experts
Since most of the workforce operates from home, hackers are using it as an opportunity to launch cyber attacks. According to recent reports, there has been a significant increase in the number of cyber attacks on personal computers, networks and routers. With IT and cybersecurity becoming more critical than ever, cybersecurity experts will be on every company’s priority list.
Communication skills
With remote work and collaboration, it’s very important to communicate clearly and be well planned to get the best out of your teams. Right from training and qualifying employees to delivering projects on time, communication skills will become very critical and could be a key factor that distinguishes successful projects from others.
