Researchers at the University of California San Diego and Boston University have developed a groundbreaking optical biosensor that can swiftly detect Monkeypox virus. Monkeypox, previously considered a rare disease limited to animals, has become a public health concern with recent outbreaks.
The new biosensor, named PD-IRIS, uses light interference from an optically transparent thin film to detect the virus in lesions of infected patients. Unlike the currently used PCR method, which is expensive and time-consuming, the PD-IRIS can provide results within two minutes, potentially slowing down the spread of the virus.
The lead author of the study highlighted the importance of accurate and timely diagnosis for diseases like Monkeypox, which can easily be mistaken for other infections. The biosensor was tested with samples of herpes simplex and cowpox viruses, efficiently discriminating Monkeypox from other similar viruses.
The development of the PD-IRIS biosensor represents a significant advancement in diagnostic technology and could revolutionize the detection of viral infections. With its ability to process a high volume of samples quickly and cost-effectively, this innovative technology has the potential to improve public health responses to outbreaks of Monkeypox and other similar diseases.
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