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

Bruce Hamaker stands in kitchen lab with arms on counter surrounding plates of potatoes, apples, spinach and grains
Promoting beneficial gut microbes with whole-food dietary fiber

Americans generally consume about half the recommended daily dietary fiber requirement. These...

Read More
Girl reaches to pet cow at Ag Week 2023
Purdue Ag Week to feature student-led activities celebrating agriculture

During the week of April 1-5, Purdue University’s College of Agriculture will host Ag Week...

Read More
Different varieties of rice growing in a field
Machine-learning model demonstrates effect of public breeding on rice yields in climate change

Climate change, extreme weather events, unprecedented records in temperatures and higher, acidic...

Read More
Gebisa Ejeta in a field
Ejeta to receive Purdue University’s highest award from President Chiang

Last October, 2009 World Food Prize Winner Gebisa Ejeta received the highest scientific honor...

Read More
Shannon Stirling working with petunias
Decoding the plant world’s complex biochemical communication networks

A Purdue University-led research team has begun translating the complex molecular language of...

Read More
2023 Cockroach Colosseum
Experience the magic of spring at this year’s Spring Fest

From the plant sale to the legendary Bug Bowl, featuring the Cockroach Colosseum and honey...

Read More
To Top