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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
IISER scientists pioneer affordable RNA sensors for fast detection of Covid-19, Zika
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune have developed an improved, low-cost diagnostic method to detect viral infections such as Covid-19 and Zika. The research, published in a scientific journal titled ACS Synthetic Biology on May 29, 2025, demonstrates a novel approach to enhancing the sensitivity and speed of RNA-based diagnostics using synthetic biology tools known as toehold switches. The core team behind the study includes Tanvi Kale, Rudvi Pednekar, and Professor Chaitanya Athale from IISER Pune's Department of Biology. The project was carried out in close collaboration with international partners—Dr Keith Pardee from the University of Toronto, Canada, and Dr Fernán Federici from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. The initiative was funded by the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada, supporting its development as part of a global effort to make diagnostics more accessible. Toehold switches, which are synthetic RNA devices designed to detect specific sequences of viral RNA, function like molecular switches. When these biosensors come into contact with target RNA from viruses like SARS-CoV-2 or Zika, they activate a visible output—often a colour change—enabling straightforward detection. Thus, serving as a 'genetic device', said Chaitanya Athale, faculty member, IISER, Pune, who led the study. The IISER team enhanced this mechanism by engineering the RNA sensors with 'translational enhancers,' small genetic sequences that increase the output signal by boosting protein production. This not only shortens the detection time but also makes the signal more easily visible to the naked eye, improving the overall effectiveness of the test. What sets this diagnostic innovation apart is its simplicity and adaptability. The test can be formatted onto paper strips, making it a portable tool that can be used even outside laboratory settings. This is particularly critical in remote or underserved areas where access to conventional testing infrastructure is limited. Since the system relies on programmable RNA technology, the same platform can be quickly adapted to detect other viruses by simply reprogramming the toehold sequences, giving it a broad range of applications beyond Covid-19 and Zika.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
IISER Pune team develops 20-min Covid, Zika test that doesn't need lab for results
1 2 3 Pune: A team of researchers from IISER, Pune, have developed a method to enhance sensitivity of RNA "biosensors", which, when mixed with viral samples of Covid or Zika, can produce a colour signal to indicate or rule out infection, within 20 minutes. The team said the boosting method can be used to create low-cost diagnostic devices that can be quickly transported to regions where there are few labs, personnel or specialized equipment to screen populations. Mass testing was a challenge during the Covid pandemic when scores of districts — especially during 2021's second wave — reported severe shortages of RT-PCR kits, considered the "gold-standard" for reliable Covid diagnoses. "But RT-PCR machines were not readily available and were centrally located," said Chaitanya Athale, who was part of the IISER team that developed the new method. "Plus, you needed someone to collect samples, run it on the machines and then interpret the results. That's when we saw the need for a low-cost and decentralized test that can be deployed in areas without advanced infrastructure," Athale said. In many viruses, genetic information is stored in the form of RNA, similar to what DNA is for humans. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like USDJPY đang đi lên không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Covid, Zika and Ebola are all RNA viruses. The IISER team developed a modified synthetic RNA sequence known as a 'toehold switch' in the lab, which reacts when it comes in contact with viral RNA to change colour —visible to the naked eye — on a small paper disc. With advances in technology, the team was able to reach detection limits of one picomolar (10 raised to -12). Picomolar is a unit of concentration commonly used to quantify a certain substance in a solution. "PCR, by comparison, is much more sensitive, but this method can be used by a minimally trained technician with test results landing in about 20 minutes," Athale said. RT-PCR test results may take a day or two to show, but the time also depends on how burdened a lab is. Currently, IISER's prototype test works only for Covid and Zika swab samples. A sample dropped onto two discs that will light up accordingly — one, both, or neither — depending on what's present. The test showed consistent results in IISER's lab in Pune and Chile, where partner scientists helped to develop the test. The Pune researchers said regulatory approvals and funding would be needed to take the test to clinics, where it can be tested further. "We've exhausted our grants, but we have manpower. Essentially, we have the people and hope to get the support," Athale said. Others who were part of the test's development team were Tanvi Kale and Rudvi Pednekar. The team's study published in ACS Synthetic Biology, was in collaboration with research teams of Dr Keith Pardee (University of Toronto, Canada) and Dr Fernán Federici (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile). Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
