Biological respiratory emissions
A breathalyzer for rapid detection of SARS CoV-2
We developed a prototype for a breathalyzer device that could rapidly detect SARS CoV-2 in human breath. The device combines concepts of aerosol sampling with an immuno-based electrochemical biosensor to selectively detect SARS CoV-2 virions in exhaled breath.
We were able to detect aerosolized CoV-2 virus for all variants of concern up to the omicron BA.1 variant. The technology can be modified to detect other non-COVID pathogens such as influenza, MERS, and so on. The laboratory experiments were validated with a clinical trial. The device design is patented and the patent is currently licensed by Y2X Life Sciences.
Article associated with this work (* denotes equal contribution):
Ghumra, D. P.*, Shetty, N.*, McBrearty, K. R.,* Puthussery, J. V., Sumlin, B. J., Gardiner, W. D., ... & Chakrabarty, R. K. (2023). Rapid direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 aerosols in exhaled breath at the point of care. ACS sensors, 8(8), 3023-3031. (link)
Assessment of influenza shedding and transmission
As part of the MITIGATE FLU (Multidisciplinary InvesTIGATion to Ease InFLUenza) project, I am developing methods to detect the flu virus from exhaled breath samples.
As part of these efforts, I led a study at Emory University to investigate influenza virus shedding in individuals artificially inoculated with a strain of the Influenza A virus. We assessed viral shedding across multiple sites: nasal and oral cavity, stool, and exhaled breath. These data provided the basis for a larger study to evaluate the dominant mode of virus transmission. I built the Modular Influenza Sampling Tunnel (MIST) to successfully detect infectious influenza in coarse aerosols.
