Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed an innovative and affordable method for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for COVID-19, using a simple clay-based sedimentation process. This breakthrough offers a practical alternative to conventional virus detection techniques, such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and antigen tests, which can be costly, time-consuming, or less reliable, especially in resource-limited settings and large-scale outbreak scenarios.

The core of this innovation lies in the utilization of Bentonite clay, a substance recognized for its capacity to absorb pollutants. The research, spearheaded by Prof. T.V. Bharat from the Department of Civil Engineering and Prof. Sachin Kumar from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, along with scholars Dr. Himanshu Yadav and Deepa Mehta, demonstrates how virus particles bind to the clay in a salt-rich solution and settle at a measurable rate.

The researchers found that the presence of the virus alters the settling rate of the clay particles in the saline solution. The speed at which the clay-virus-electrolyte mixture settles indicates the presence and concentration of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. According to Prof. Bharat, this sedimentation method presents a faster, more affordable, and reliable alternative to current testing approaches, marking a significant step toward real-time disease monitoring, particularly during pandemics.

The team validated their method using plaque assays and RT-PCR against surrogate coronaviruses and the Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV). The results demonstrated accuracy comparable to standard diagnostic tools. They discovered that virus particles effectively bind to the negatively charged surfaces of clay at a neutral pH and room temperature, laying a solid foundation for detection. Their findings have been published in the peer-reviewed journal Applied Clay Science.

This clay-based technique holds the potential to transform global efforts in epidemic preparedness and response, making virus detection faster, cheaper, and more accessible. Furthermore, the method can be adapted to detect other viruses, including the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), which has significant implications for the poultry industry.

The IIT Guwahati researchers are actively seeking industry partnerships to initiate clinical trials for SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections. Their goal is to develop field kits or lab-ready solutions that bring accurate virus detection to areas lacking advanced diagnostic infrastructure. With industrial support, they hope to scale this technology into diagnostic kits that can be used in clinics, airports, and rural health centers.