Biosensor technology developed by lead researchers at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is designed to detect and monitor coronavirus and other infectious diseases in individuals and indoor environments.
Y2X-DX Biosensor for Detecting Coronavirus in Individuals
- The Y2X-DX biosensor is a breathalyzer that immediately detects coronavirus and other infectious diseases in individuals
- Designed to test the status of people entering airports, schools, workplaces, and other public areas
- Delivers result within 30 seconds
Y2X-AQ for Detecting Coronavirus and Pathogens in Environments
- The Y2X-AQ Biosensor detects pathogens, continuously monitoring air quality in large settings, such as conference halls, government facilities, military installations and vessels, airports, and schools
Washington University in St. Louis Team of Professors Receives NIH Grant for SARS-CoV-2 Biosensor
Lead researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have collaborated to create Pathogen Detectors for coronavirus that identify SARS-CoV-2 in aerosolized form for individuals and large indoor spaces. The team includes; Dr. John Cirrito, PhD, professor of neuroscience at the School of Medicine; Dr. Carla Yuede, PhD, professor of psychiatry at the School of Medicine; and Dr. Rajan Chakrabarty, professor at the School of Engineering.
The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded the project a grant through the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADxSM) Initiative. The NIH launched the RADxSM initiative to speed innovation in the development, commercialization, and implementation of technologies for COVID-19 testing.
The team’s core technology will be utilized to develop two SARS-C0V-2 aerosol detection devices:
- The Y2X-DX is a breathalyzer that immediately detects coronavirus in individuals entering airports, stadiums, workplaces, or other semi-public areas.
- The Y2X-AQ is an aerosol detector designed to continuously monitor air quality in large gathering places, such as conference halls, government facilities, military installations and vessels, airports, and schools.
Y2X completed an option agreement with WashU to license and commercialize the technology.
- Highly sensitive: The technology is unique for its ability to detect even very low concentrations of molecules, including viruses and pathogens
- Uniquely skilled research group: Professors at WashU Medical and Engineering Schools are collaborating in the design of the air quality monitoring devices
- Highly relevant to biosecurity: The technology has been customized to detect SARS-CoV-2 viruses, and can be adapted for other pathogens as well by modifying the reagent on the biosensor
- Rigorous scientific diligence and NIH support: The NIH Grant to the Wash U team was awarded via a competitive process in 2020; the grant is non-dilutive and is designed to encourage commercialization
Read more about Y2X Life Sciences Option Agreement for SARS-CoV-2 Detection Technology from Washington University in St. Louis.