Real-time environmental surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 aerosols

Real-time surveillance of airborne SARS-CoV-2 virus is a technological gap. Offline air sampling techniques suffer from longer turnaround times and require skilled labor. This paper presents a proof-of-concept pathogen Air Quality (pAQ) monitor for real-time (5 min time resolution) direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 aerosols. The system integrates a high flow wet cyclone air sampler and a nanobody-based ultrasensitive micro-immunoelectrode biosensor. Laboratory experiments demonstrate a device sensitivity of 77–83% and a limit of detection of 7–35 viral RNA copies/m³ of air. The pAQ monitor is suited for point-of-need surveillance and can be adapted for multiplexed detection of other respiratory pathogens.

Joseph V. Puthussery, Dishit P. Ghumra, Kevin R. McBrearty, Brookelyn M. Doherty, Benjamin J. Sumlin, Amirhossein Sarabandi, Anushka Garg Mandal, Nishit J. Shetty, Woodrow D. Gardiner, Jordan P. Magrecki, David L. Brody, Thomas J. Esparza, Traci L. Bricker, Adrianus C. M. Boon, Carla M. Yuede, John R. Cirrito, Rajan K. Chakrabarty