Rachel Klemovitch06.28.23
NYU Abu Dhabi research team claims to have found a new rapid COVID-19 testing method using an adhesive bandage. Using gold nanoparticles, the bandage will be able to quickly detect the immune antibodies in the bloodstream. IgM and IgG are naturally produced by the SARS-CoV-2 infection and serve as valuable biomarkers to identify infected individuals.
The research team was led by Mohammad Qasaimeh, associate research professor of medical engineering and bioengineering, and their work was published in the Microsystems and Nanoengineering journal.
Former research assistant Imen Boumar said, “Our goal is to contribute to improved diagnostics and help individuals with their health management, ultimately enhancing our ability to combat and control infectious diseases on a global scale.”
According to NYU, the bandage works in conjunction with nanotechnology-based engineered tiny particles (gold particles) measuring one-billionth of a meter in diameter to detect antigens specific to SARS-CoV-2.
This bandage technology is an at-home disposable test that is applied to a pinprick fingertip, just like a regular bandage. After binding the finger, the bandage change color to identify the individual’s infection status, producing results for “non infected” or “infected” with “early immune”, “active immune” or “immune responses.”
The bandage uses nanoparticles with specific key called antigens to recognize and bind to IgM and IgG antibodies with high specificity and sensitivity, paralleled with key-lock mechanisms.
Researchers said results come within minutes and could enable large scale detection and screening across a range of settings. Researchers also said that the bandage could be modified to detect other pathogenic infections.
The research team was led by Mohammad Qasaimeh, associate research professor of medical engineering and bioengineering, and their work was published in the Microsystems and Nanoengineering journal.
Former research assistant Imen Boumar said, “Our goal is to contribute to improved diagnostics and help individuals with their health management, ultimately enhancing our ability to combat and control infectious diseases on a global scale.”
According to NYU, the bandage works in conjunction with nanotechnology-based engineered tiny particles (gold particles) measuring one-billionth of a meter in diameter to detect antigens specific to SARS-CoV-2.
This bandage technology is an at-home disposable test that is applied to a pinprick fingertip, just like a regular bandage. After binding the finger, the bandage change color to identify the individual’s infection status, producing results for “non infected” or “infected” with “early immune”, “active immune” or “immune responses.”
The bandage uses nanoparticles with specific key called antigens to recognize and bind to IgM and IgG antibodies with high specificity and sensitivity, paralleled with key-lock mechanisms.
Researchers said results come within minutes and could enable large scale detection and screening across a range of settings. Researchers also said that the bandage could be modified to detect other pathogenic infections.