Camelia Bhattacharyya, Amity University Kolkata
Lateral flow tests or tests which can detect particular biomolecules without the presence of expensive equipment have found a place in several medical grounds. A type of such test which is used to detect different types of viral DNA and proteins is the paper-based lateral flow test. These tests can identify the viral genome through the change of the colour of the paper. Different fluid samples are used for the same. What if these tests can be used along with diamonds, or rather nano-diamonds? Well, we know that nano-diamonds can detect quantum waves and this property has recently been used in the paper-based lateral flow test to detect the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
While designing technology to detect the coronavirus, a team of researchers have ended up finding an easier way to detect HIV. They are now planning to develop a device for the easier and less complicated method of detection. Thus, quantum properties, biochemical knowledge and a bit of creativity can now be used to detect other viruses too. Target has been made to use this against the novel coronavirus.
The method focuses on creating defective nano-diamonds with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre. These NV centres act as a signal and emit specific fluorescent light for targeted biomolecules. The frequency of the signal is fixed thus resulting in inaccurate testing. This method, it can be used properly and studied more, might someday make a huge change in disease detection shortly.
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Source: Miller, B.S., Bezinge, L., Gliddon, H.D. et al. Spin-enhanced nanodiamond biosensing for ultrasensitive diagnostics. Nature 587, 588-593(2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2917-1
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