Swansea research "could save millions of preventable deaths worldwide"
Scientists have developed a method to easily identify viruses like Hepatitis B and C
Scientists at Swansea University say a new device could save millions of preventable deaths worldwide.
It detects very small amounts of virus, so could pick up hepatitis B and C at the point that care is being given.
The device could be used in parts of the world that don't have high-tech labs found in hospitals, or in difficult-to-reach areas.
How it works
What makes the detection of viruses in such small volumes possible is the use of a material called graphene. Graphene is extremely thin - only one atom thick - making it very sensitive to anything that attaches to it.
By carefully controlling its surface, scientists at Swansea University were able to make the surface of graphene sensitive to the HCV virus. These measurements were done with graphene specialists at the National Physical Laboratory.
In the future, it is hoped that multiple biosensors can be developed onto a single chip – this could be used to detect different types of dangerous viruses or disease markers from a single measurement.
"A major step forward"
Ffion Walters, Innovation Technologist at Swansea University’s Healthcare Technology Centre, said: “Highly sensitive and simplistic sensors have never been more in demand with regards point-of-care applications. This collaborative project has allowed us to realise proof-of-concept real-time sensors for HCV, which could be especially beneficial in resource-limited settings or for difficult-to-reach populations.”
Professor Owen Guy, Head of Chemistry at Swansea University, said: “At Swansea University, we have now developed graphene-based biosensors for both Hepatitis B and C. This is a major step forward to a future single point of care test”
Dr Olga Kazakova, NPL Fellow Quantum Materials & Sensors added: “NPL was delighted to be part of this multidisciplinary team. Participation in this project allowed us to further develop our metrological validation facilities and apply them to the characterisation of graphene biosensors and aid in solving an important challenge in the health sector.”