Skip to Main Content

How a diagnostic tool used on cows might unlock a key to COVID-19 testing

What do cows and COVID-19 have in common?  Unless you’re Mohit Verma, assistant professor in Purdue University’s Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, the answer is probably not much.

Verma’s research focuses on developing biosensors to monitor infectious diseases in bovines. Specifically, he studies how to diagnose Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD), the most common bovine disease in beef cattle in the world. Detection of the disease can be difficult and costly. Verma’s lab develops methods for testing that are accurate, safe and less expensive for farmers and veterinarians.

“The technique we use is based on the identification of nucleic acids specific to that virus,” Verma said. “The test will show us what pathogen is causing the infection. This helps determine which antibiotic to prescribe.” The tests are small sensors, cheap and easy to produce that provide test results in a matter of minutes.

“That’s exactly what is needed right now for COVID-19 testing,” Verma said. “So, back in February, we began looking at ways to adapt the biosensor used for BRD to a cheap, reliable test for COVID-19 and other SARS diseases.”

The tests have performed well in the lab setting, and Verma said he is working with external partners (Raytheon BBN, PortaScience, Laduca RCA) to fast-track the approval of the device when the time is appropriate. Several challenges remain.

dsc00096-scaled.jpg
Mohit verma demonstrates bio sensor technology.

The main hurdle: logistics.

The project is being accelerated, attempting to accomplish a goal in months that would typically take years. There are technical challenges in the lab. And Verma faces challenges with purchasing, personnel, and facilities.  He is working with administrative leaders to overcome these challenges and minimize delays. His target is for the device to be submitted to the FDA for emergency use within three months.

Verma knows many other researchers are working on COVID-19 testing devices around the world, and even some at Purdue. That’s an entirely positive thing, he explains. A likely and ideal scenario, he continued, is that many of these tests are approved for usage and flood the market, addressing the severe shortage of diagnostic equipment currently stymieing efforts to eradicate COVID-19 globally.

Long-term, Verma hopes this same kind of technology can be used for other kinds of viruses, including influenza. Ideally, one device could detect multiple targets, which would improve diagnostic accuracy, cut down on healthcare cost and save time for healthcare professionals.

“This is a great example of how the technology developed in agriculture can have implications far beyond that sphere,” Verma said.

Featured Stories

Researchers with a spectroscopy
Light-based tool continuously monitors vaccine quality during production

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the need to rapidly develop, produce and...

Read More
Members of the Purdue Student Farm holding the TEAM Award.
Purdue Student Farm wins 2025 TEAM Award

The Purdue Student Farm (PSF), a small-scale sustainable farm managed by the Department of...

Read More
Ellen Van Loo standing in front of the entrance to the Boilermaker Market.
New professor brings expertise in consumer food behavior research

Ellen Van Loo, an expert in the field of consumer food behavior, has joined Purdue...

Read More
Tyler Hoskins collects zebrafish from wetlands near Purdue.
Working together to mitigate forever chemicals

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals used to make consumer...

Read More
Steve Lindemann wearing lab coat in a lab
Researchers explore connections between human and animal health

Steve Lindemann, associate professor of food science and head of the Diet-Microbiome Interactions...

Read More
Senay Simsek holding beakers
Food science researchers contribute to Purdue’s One Health Initiative

In Purdue’s Department of Food Science, researchers are taking on issues of food and health...

Read More
To Top