Soterius Scout: The Smart Sensor that will detect presence of covid-19 on surfaces

Pandemic interrupted the pace of life. Schools, colleges, offices, sports complexes and even courts were shut down to control the spread of coronavirus. The deadly virus, which keeps on mutuating, has evolved into the SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant. 

 

Deadlier than its counterparts, this new variant of covid-19 possesses increased transmission rates and resilient binding factors. It is important to curb the spread of this new variant, to save lives. To tackle this concerning variant of covid researchers at RMIT University in collaboration with Soterius have developed a biosensor that can detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus. 

 

(Must Check: Impact of COVID-19 on Security Analytics)

 

 Though small and size but efficient in use, the smart sensor can deliver the results within a minute. This newly devised biosensor will be made commercially available in Australia in 2020. Initially the biosensor will be delivered to hospitals, later it will be made available to schools, offices, and colleges.

 

At present the biosensor is capable of detecting 8 covid-19 variants, the adaptation process would enable detection of future variants. Soterius Scout biosensor is accurate in its prediction performance. At times even the ones, who are suffering from this lethal virus are unaware of its presence, due to absence of symptoms. Biosensors can detect the virus's presence in asymptomatic patients thus slowing down the spread of contagious virus. 

 

 

As reported by SciTechDaily RMIT project leader Professor Sharath Sriram said,  “It is exciting to see our platform sensor technology at the core of this smart new solution for the management of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses in workplaces, to help protect our frontline workers and the wider community.”

 

Smart sensors use capabilities of nanotechnology - enabled biosensors. Soterius Scout, the smart sensor will detect virus particles once they land on the smart sensor. Post detection results will be delivered to a smartphone or a reader. Data from the reader can be transferred to the cloud for remote monitoring. 

 

This mini sensor can be attached to workspaces for virus detection. If the sensor detects coronavirus, the user is intimated to get themselves tested. Newly devised smart sensors can curb the spread of viruses at workspaces, homes and schools.