Innovative Virus Detection Method Developed by IIT Guwahati Researchers

New Approach to SARS-CoV-2 Detection

Guwahati, June 7: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have introduced a groundbreaking technique for detecting and quantifying SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19.

This innovative method relies on the sedimentation rate of a mixture containing clay and the virus, providing a straightforward and cost-effective alternative to the more complex and costly detection techniques currently available.

The results of this study have been published in the peer-reviewed journal, Applied Clay Science, co-authored by Prof TV Bharat from the Civil Engineering Department and Prof Sachin Kumar from the Biosciences and Bioengineering Department, along with research scholars Dr Himanshu Yadav and Deepa Mehta.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted significant deficiencies in our ability to detect and monitor viral infections. While Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methods are sensitive, they are also time-intensive and require sophisticated equipment. Antigen tests are quick but often inaccurate, and antibody tests are only useful post-infection, revealing various limitations. Many of these techniques are impractical in low-resource settings or during widespread outbreaks,” explained Prof Bharat.

To overcome these challenges, the research team utilized Bentonite clay, known for its capacity to absorb pollutants and heavy metals due to its unique chemical properties.

Prof Bharat noted that earlier research has demonstrated that clay particles can effectively bind with viruses and bacteriophages, making it a viable candidate for virus detection.

The team investigated how Bentonite clay interacts with virus particles in a saline environment.

They discovered that a surrogate for the coronavirus and the Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) adhere to the negatively charged surfaces of the clay at room temperature and a neutral pH of 7.

“Our novel method employs clay to swiftly identify and quantify viruses, such as the coronavirus. By monitoring the sedimentation of the clay in a solution, we can ascertain the presence and concentration of a virus. This innovative technique provides a quicker, more affordable, and precise alternative to existing methods, enhancing disease monitoring and treatment strategies, particularly during pandemics,” stated Prof Bharat.

“This research builds on our recent publications in esteemed journals like Langmuir, focusing on the development of specialized biomedical waste facilities for the disposal of pathogenic waste, supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India,” he added.

The research team confirmed their findings using established virus detection techniques, including plaque assays for the coronavirus surrogate and RT-PCR for IBV. The new method yielded accurate results comparable to standard detection methods, affirming its reliability.

This technique could also be adapted to identify other viruses, such as the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), which poses significant risks to poultry and results in substantial losses in the agricultural sector.

“This advancement has significant potential for enhancing the monitoring and control of viral outbreaks, especially in areas lacking access to expensive laboratory equipment and trained personnel. With further development, this method could be utilized in field kits or simple lab setups, making virus detection more accessible and efficient during future public health crises,” Prof Bharat remarked.

Looking ahead, the research team intends to collaborate with industry partners and medical facilities to conduct clinical trials for SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses.

Prof Bharat expressed that by partnering with industry, the team aims to harness the necessary resources and expertise to carry out comprehensive clinical trials, ultimately contributing to the global fight against viral infections.

Meanwhile, the active Covid case count in India has surpassed 5,000, with Kerala being the most affected state, followed by Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi, according to data released by the Union Health Ministry on Friday.