Diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 infection using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on nasopharyngeal swabs is now well-established, with saliva-based testing being lately more widely implemented for being more adapted for self-testing approaches. In this study, we introduce a different concept based on exhaled breath condensates (EBC), readily collected by a mask-based sampling device, and detection with an electrochemical biosensor with a modular architecture that enables fast and specific detection and quantification of COVID-19. The face mask forms an exhaled breath vapor containment volume to hold the exhaled breath vapor in proximity to the EBC collector to enable a condensate-forming surface, cooled by a thermal mass, to coalesce the exhaled breath into 200-500 μL fluid sample in 2 minutes. EBC RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 genes (E, ORF1ab) on samples collected from 7 SARS-CoV-2 positive and 7 SARS-CoV-2 negative patients were performed. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 could be detected in 5 out of 7 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients. Furthermore, the EBS samples were screened on an electrochemical aptamer biosensor, which detects SARS-CoV-2 viral particles down to 10 pfu mL
-1
in cultured SARS-CoV-2 suspensions. Using a “turn off” assay via ferrocenemethanol of redox mediator, results about the infectivity state of the patience are obtained in 10 min.
The concept of the assemblage set out in Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari's A Thousand Plateaus is brought into dialogue with the notion of ethical agency found in the writings of Stanley Hauerwas. The discussion is structured around the process of the agent's narrative formation. Elements of complexity theory, in particular emergence, are adduced in order to explicate the points of difference between Deleuze and Guattari and Hauerwas, as are the contributions of those like Manuel DeLanda who have sought to further develop Deleuzean‐Guattarian ideas. The conclusion proposes disciple and Church as emergent forms structured by the Christ‐event conceived as an abstract machine.
The Kinaptic mask-based COVID-19 testing system uses a unique Exhaled Breath Condensate (EBC) collector that converts breath vapor to a liquid biosample for rapid testing and wireless automatic contact tracing. Exhaled Breath Condensate (EBC) is collected from a mask-based EBC collector as a low cost disposable component. Our electronic biosensor detects even low concentrations of virus biomarkers if they are present in the EBC sample. Corona viruses have slowly evolving N-protein and quickly evolving S-protein. N-Protein testing screens for any corona virus infection / S-Protein screens for only COVID-19 infection. The Kinaptic mask-based COVID-19 testing system is a "two-stage filter": 1) catch only of N-protein biomarker = trigger warning to get more stringent diagnostic and contact trace; 2) catch both N-and S-, or just S-biomarkers = more urgent need for immediate quarantine and medical attention. As the target biomarkers bind to the capture molecules, the electrical conductivity of the electronic biosensor changes. This change in conductive is amplified by our bluetooth electronics, analyzed to determine the presence and quantity of the target biomarker, and the test result wireless transmitted to a smartphone or directly to the cloud.
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