Development of a new Corona discovery test
7/18/2020
Pharmacists from the German University of Halle-Wittenberg were able to discover the smallest amount of corona virus in gargle solution by measuring the mass spectrum.
This could lead to the creation of a relatively simpler method for conducting a corona detection test.
In their research, pharmacists used gargling solutions used by people with corona, the university said on Wednesday.
The university stated that in the future, the new method can complement the usual tests currently.
She indicated that she would continue to improve this method to provide a standard diagnostic tool.
The study's supervisor, Andrea Zents and her team, developed a method to search for components of the Coruna virus.
"We directly measure peptides, short chains of amino acids, which are produced by the virus, not its genetic material," Zintz said.
She added that even with a small amount of gargle solution available, scientists were able to find components of the virus protein, noting that the test is very specific to the virus, because it targets only protein components present in the mutated virus.
Zentz explained that the test can be taken now within about 15 minutes, and said that her work group is currently trying to reduce the periods of analysis, pointing out that they are using for this purpose artificial components of the virus.
She said it should be clarified if this method was actually suitable for detecting the Corona virus, and stated that the analysis of the sample would not be stressful in this case, and it could be applied by non-specialists.
The university stated that the new diagnostic method would not be available soon, adding that Zennetts hopes to be ready for use within a few months.
