This new start-up is taking the fight to mosquitos

A new start-up is working on a way to detect tropical diseases caused by mosquitos to potentially give health officials time to stop viruses being transmitted to humans.

SMK Diagnostics, a start-up from Purdue University, is developing a sensor to identify and monitor diseases spread by mosquitos such as Zika. The start-up has developed an electrode coated with a material that has a high surface area to detect viruses in mosquitos.

The device is able to the RNA (ribonucleic acid) of a virus by immobilising certain biological molecules. When the DNA or RNA of a mosquito carrying a virus bind to the surface, it changes the surface resistance on the electrode and the sensor can then determine if a virus is present.

"Only the virus will bind to the surface, no other molecules. It is a recognition, like a key and lock,” said Lia Stanciu, associate head and professor of Materials Engineering at Purdue and one of the founders of SMK Diagnostics.

The sensor provides early detection so you can intervene earlier. If local agencies know there’s a danger, they can intervene early to try to make sure it doesn’t get transmitted to people,” Stanciu added.

SMK Diagnostics hopes that the sensor will be able to detect tropical diseases faster and at a lower rate than current methods. It aims to place its technology in areas where disease-carrying mosquitos are particularly prevalent.

“That way local agencies know there is a danger so they can take action to eradicate the virus before it spreads to people,” Stanciu said.