With a world facing a myriad of threats, from rapidly spreading viruses to chronic diseases and drug-resistant bacteria, the need for quick, reliable and easy-to-use home diagnostic tests has increased.
It’s now becoming a reality to imagine a future where these tests are as small and portable as your smartwatch and can be used anywhere.
And that could be achieved by introducing microchips that can detect tiny amounts of viruses or bacteria in the air.
New research from New York University, led by Dawood Shahrzaidi, professor of electrical and computer engineering; Elisa Redo, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering; and Giuseppe Di Peppo, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering; shows that it’s possible to develop microchips that could identify multiple diseases from a single cough or breath sample.
This innovative technology uses field effect transistors (FETs), which are tiny electronic sensors that directly detect biological markers and convert them into digital signals that are an alternative to traditional tests such as home pregnancy tests.
The researchers said this innovative approach enables faster results, simultaneous testing for multiple diseases and immediate data transmission to healthcare providers.
