Engineers at Auburn University have created a device that will reveal COVID-19 test results instantly, instead of waiting hours.

“We have developed an electronic device based on two-dimensional materials that are modified with antibodies so that it can immediately detect the virus spike protein. “When the virus spike protein interacts with the antibody within the testing device, it impacts the electronic properties of the atomically-thin monolayer 2D material. As soon as the lab technician puts the sample drop on the transistor surface, the device responds, and the result is evident.” -- Masoud Mahjouri-Samani, assistant professor in electrical and computer engineering at the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering at Auburn.

Being able to have instant test results could lead to patients getting treatment sooner rather than later.

“The device itself is a microchip. That’s the beauty of it. The active channels of this device are smaller than the diameter of a human hair, and it can be shrunk even further. The sample to be tested will be larger than the device itself.” --Michael C. Hamilton, professor in electrical and computer engineering and director of the Alabama Micro/Nano Science and Technology Center

Hamilton says that a device such as this wouldn't have to be limited to COVID-19, but could be used to detect many other viruses.

While the findings could make an impact in the fight against COVID-19, the team realizes the device would have to go through a series of approvals and trials before it could be distributed.