A CAPACITIVE biosensor has been developed that offers real-time airborne detection of avian influenza H5N1 and E. coli, providing a rapid, sensitive tool for disease surveillance. Developed using an interlocked Prussian blue (PB) and graphene oxide (GO) hybrid network, this sensor can detect viral and bacterial pathogens in aerosols within five minutes, significantly advancing public health monitoring.
In testing, the biosensor demonstrated an impressive limit of detection (LoD): 56 viral RNA copies/mL for H5N1 and just 5 bacterial cells/mL for E. coli. It operates by measuring capacitance changes as pathogens bind to its specialized sensor surface, allowing for highly accurate readings. When paired with a custom-built wet cyclone bioaerosol sampler, the system can quantify airborne concentrations with remarkable precision—identifying H5N1 at 93 viral RNA copies/m³ and E. coli at 8 bacterial cells/m³.
Unlike traditional PCR-based methods, which require lab processing and lengthy turnaround times, this label-free biosensor streamlines pathogen detection without the need for additional reagents. The hybrid PB-GO structure enhances sensitivity, ensuring reliable results with over 90% accuracy in airborne pathogen assessments.
The implications for infection control are significant. With concerns over H5N1’s potential for mutation and airborne transmission, rapid environmental detection is a crucial tool for early intervention. This biosensor technology could be adapted for broader respiratory pathogen surveillance, offering a scalable solution for hospitals, public health agencies, and research institutions.
With its speed, accuracy, and adaptability, this breakthrough sensor represents a major leap in real-time disease detection, providing a proactive approach to monitoring airborne threats.
Reference: Kumar J et al. Capacitive Biosensor for Rapid Detection of Avian (H5N1) Influenza and E. coli in Aerosols. ACS Sens. 2025. doi:10.1021/acssensors.4c03087.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
