A new molecular sensor for flavor -based flu detection

The flu season is approaching quickly in the northern hemisphere. And a flavor fluid test he could once Do you change nasal swabs for chewing gum. The new molecular sensor has been designed to release the taste of thyme when it encounters the influenza virus. Scientists inform that they plan to include this type of low gum or suction technology sensor in order to increase the research of the house and potentially prevent the disease to be transmitted.

Staying at home is crucial for preventing the spread of infectious diseases such as flu; However, people with flu are contagious before they develop the symptoms. Current influenza diagnostics, such as PCR tests based on the nasal swab, are accurate, but they are slow and expensive. Side flow tests at home, similar to those used to test for Covid-19 are comfortable and generally cheap, but do not capture infection from symptomatic.

As written in the published study, Lorenz Meinel and colleagues deal with these influenza detection disadvantages “”.

The team has developed a molecular sensor that releases the taste that human languages ​​can detect – Tymol, found in thyme spices. The sensor is based on the influenza virus glycoprotein Called neuraminidase (“N” in H1N1). The flu viruses use neuraminidase to break certain bonds on the host cell to infect it. So scientists synthesized the substrate of neuraminidase and joined the Tymol molecule to it. Tymol is recorded as a strong herbal taste on the tongue. Theoretically, when the synthesized sensor is in the mouth of someone infected with flu, viruses lobe Tymol particles, and their taste is detected by the tongue.

After developing a molecular sensor, scientists conducted laboratory tests with it. In vials with human saliva from people diagnosed with flu, the sensor freed free thymol within 30 minutes. When they tested the sensor on human cells and mouse, this did not change the functioning of the cells. Then Meinel and Team hope to start clinical trials on people in about two years to confirm the sensor’s taste sensations in people with flu before and post-symptomatic.

If included in the gums for chewing or pulley, “says Meinel.