Optical Biosensor : After wreaking havoc in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the threat of monkeypox is now looming over the entire world. Its cases have also been reported in India and neighboring country Pakistan. On August 15, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared MPOX a public health emergency.
Till now, more than 20 thousand cases have been found worldwide, out of which about 537 people have died. To avoid Mpox, it is necessary to first identify it, with the help of which this virus can be defeated. Optical Biosensor is very helpful for this. Let us know about this technology…
Optical biosensor detects monkeypox
Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and Boston University have now created an optical biosensor that can rapidly detect the virus that causes monkeypox, Mpox.
This study was published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics on November 14, 2024. Since PCR test is expensive, it requires a laboratory. The result of which may take a week to arrive. Boston University Lab also developed optical biosensors to detect the viruses of Ebola hemorrhagic fever and Covid-19.
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How does an optical biosensor work?
The researchers incubated wound samples from a patient with monkeypox for a period of time with monoclonal monkeypox antibodies, which bind to proteins on the surface of the virus. The virus-antibody complexes were then transferred to tiny chambers on the surface of silicon chips on the sensor, which were treated to fix these nanoparticles.
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Blue light was simultaneously shone onto the chips, causing a slightly different reaction in the presence of the virus-antibody nanoparticles. A colorful camera was used to detect this tiny signal and count individual particles with high sensitivity. The biosensor assay easily distinguished Mpox samples from these other viruses in two minutes.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
red rashes on body
severe headache
pus pimples
difficulty swallowing
What to do to avoid MPOX
If you notice any symptoms, go to the doctor
avoid touching infected
get vaccinated
use mouthwash
use eyedrops
Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you must consult the concerned expert.
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