Arkansas researchers develop new avian flu sensor

One of these days, we will have to bring together all of the inventors of portable biosensor devices for a battle royal. Readers by now realize that when it comes to detecting anthrax or bird flu, there is no disagreement that emergency responders require a simple testing system that can produce results almost immediatelty. Exactly how the sensor should work, however, is a different story, and it is far too early in the game to place any bets on the outcome. We can, however, profile the contenders. Today we take a closer look at an avian flu biosensor under development at the University of Arkansas.

Developed under the leadership of professor Yangbin Li, who developed the approach as part of an effort to detect E. coli and salmonella, the device requires a veterinarian or other responder to take a swab sample from the cloaca or thrachea of a suspected bird. (This is a mark against the company: a test is always better when it can be performed by the inexpert or with minimal training.) The swab sample is then exposed to magnetic nanobeads coated with specific antibodies that react in the presence of bird flu. Acting as bio-labels, red blood cells are then mixed with the captured virus to form a complex, which is filtered by a specially designed, micro-fluidic biochip. The biochip then delivers the complex to a microelectrode array for measurement. Researchers detect the specific virus by correlating the change in impedance of the complex under high-frequency and alternating currents to the concentration of avian influenza virus in an original sample.

Investors take note: The researchers are currently pursuing funding for further testing and evaluation. Li predicts the device could be ready within one year and would cost $8,000 per unit. Testing fees would be less than $10 per sample.

-read more in this university news release