Researchers Develop Simple Way to Detect Coronavirus Antibodies Using Glucose Monitors

Three scientists from Johns Hopkins; a biomedical engineer, a pharmacologist and a biophysicist, have come together to build a device that can detect if an individual has SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, which is the virus that causes COVID-19. Antibodies are small proteins produced by the immune system to help your body counteract a viral encounter and provide the immunity to fight it off if future infections occur.

The researchers derived their inspiration from a glucose monitor, which is used by millions of people around the world. This, they said, could help them design an antibody detector that can be used easily and is affordable worldwide.

People who suffer from diabetes use glucose monitors to measure their blood sugar levels. This is done by pricking their finger for a drop of blood which is then placed on a test strip paper and inserted into the monitor.

The three researchers; Jamie Spangler, assistant professor of biomedical engineering, Netz Arroyo, assistant professor of pharmacology and molecular sciences, Taekjip Ha, professor of biophysics, biophysical chemistry and biomedical engineering say that this gadget can also be re-engineered to detect the presence of glucose in chemical reactions that occur as a result of antibodies in the blood.

To do this, the team developed a test strip which contained spike protein obtained from the SARS-CoV-2 virus surface. Then they added a drop of blood from a patient and observed as the COVID-19 antibodies that were present in the blood bind with the spike proteins on the test strip. After this, the scientists dipped the test strip into a tube which contains an enzyme that binds itself to the coronavirus antibodies.

The next step was to wash off the excess enzyme and insert the strip into a solution that contained a molecule that the enzyme transforms into glucose. Finally, they used a glucose monitor to read the amount of glucose that is present on the strip, which is a substitute for coronavirus antibodies present in the blood sample from the patient.

Arroyo stated that working on the project had been a good opportunity to learn from his colleagues, engage with them and brainstorm together to generate a creative solution that addressed a crucial need that was brought forth by the coronavirus pandemic. He added that they were looking into developing a bio sensing platform that would help monitor infection spread better for both the current crisis as well as for any that might occur in the future.

The research is still ongoing, and the scientists are running more tests on the patent-pending technology. Analysts say biomed sector players like DarioHealth Corp. (NASDAQ: DRIO) are pleased so many innovators rising up to the challenge of the ongoing pandemic.

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