Photo Credit: Health Dialogues
In a breakthrough for affordable healthcare, researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed an innovative and cost-effective method to detect COVID-19 using clay particles. This new technique harnesses the natural sedimentation properties of Bentonite clay to identify and measure the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, offering a simple and accessible alternative to expensive and complex testing methods like PCR.
How the Clay-Based COVID-19 Test Works
Led by Professors T.V. Bharat and Sachin Kumar, the research team demonstrated that Bentonite clay particles, known for absorbing pollutants and viruses, can be used to detect COVID-19. When mixed with a sample, the presence of the virus changes how the clay particles settle (sediment) in a solution, allowing for easy detection. This test functions at room temperature and a neutral pH, making it ideal for widespread use, especially in areas lacking advanced medical infrastructure.
Advantages Over Traditional Testing
Traditional COVID-19 testing methods such as PCR require expensive machines and trained technicians, while rapid antigen tests often suffer from lower accuracy. In contrast, the clay sedimentation method is highly affordable, requires minimal equipment, and delivers reliable results quickly. This makes it particularly useful for rural and resource-limited settings, enabling faster disease monitoring and management.
Potential Impact on Global Health
With its simplicity and low cost, IIT Guwahati’s clay-based testing could revolutionize how viral infections are tracked during pandemics. It promises to make COVID-19 detection more accessible, especially in developing countries where laboratory infrastructure is limited. The research team is now working on partnering with medical labs and industry to further validate and scale this technology.
