A Correspondent, Guwahati: In a groundbreaking development, researchers at IIT Guwahati have introduced an affordable and simple technique to detect SARS-CoV-2—the virus responsible for COVID-19—using natural clay particles. The innovation hinges on how clay behaves in saltwater when viral particles are present. The research team found that the sedimentation rate of clay changes due to altered inter-particle forces, creating a measurable signal for virus detection. “It’s as simple as observing how sand settles in water,” explained Professor T.V. Bharat of the Civil Engineering Department, lead author of the study published in Applied Clay Science. “In the presence of viral material, the settling behaviour shifts—allowing us to identify infection quickly and cheaply.” The study focused on Bentonite clay, valued for its high surface area and virus-binding properties. In lab tests using virus surrogates like Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV), the clay particles were shown to effectively bind in saline solutions, mimicking real-world conditions. This novel approach offers a practical alternative to existing diagnostics like RT-PCR (accurate but resource-intensive) and antigen/antibody tests (which can be inconsistent or retrospective). “Current tests aren’t always feasible in remote or heavily affected areas,” Prof. Bharat noted. “Our method is low-cost, quick, and doesn't require sophisticated lab facilities—making it ideal for field use.” With its potential for wide deployment in underserved regions, the technique could play a vital role in future outbreak responses and improve access to timely virus screening.
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