IIT Guwahati Researchers Use Clay-Based Method To 'Sculpt' Affordable Covid Testing Process
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The IIT Guwahati team meticulously investigated how bentonite clay interacts specifically with SARS-CoV-2
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed an innovative and cost-effective method for detecting SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19. This novel technique uses a combination of bentonite clay and saltwater, offering a simpler and more affordable alternative to conventional diagnostic tools such as PCR and antigen tests. Their findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Applied Clay Science, have the potential to revolutionise virus detection, particularly in resource-constrained settings and for future pandemic preparedness.
This groundbreaking method hinges on the principle of sedimentation. Bentonite clay is renowned for its exceptional absorbent properties and its capacity to bind with various substances, including heavy metals and pollutants. Building on previous research suggesting that clay particles could interact with viruses, the IIT Guwahati team meticulously investigated how bentonite clay interacts specifically with SARS-CoV-2.
Their research revealed that when the virus is present in a neutral pH saltwater solution at room temperature, it binds effectively with the clay particles. This binding accelerates sedimentation, with virus-laden clay particles settling more rapidly. By observing and measuring this accelerated sedimentation, researchers can accurately determine both the presence and concentration of the virus in a sample.
The implications of this discovery are substantial, say some experts. While PCR tests are highly accurate, they are costly, require specialised equipment and trained personnel, and often depend on significant infrastructure, limiting their accessibility in remote or under-resourced areas. Antigen tests, while faster, can be less sensitive than PCR. In contrast, the IIT Guwahati method requires minimal equipment, is inherently affordable, and offers a potentially rapid diagnostic solution suitable for widespread deployment.
First Published:
June 07, 2025, 04:03 IST
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