In order to develop strategies to combat Covid-19 and expand the population's testing capacity, the SENAI Institute for Innovation in Green Chemistry (ISI QV), linked to Firjan SENAI, completed research to detect the presence of the new coronavirus. Developed in partnership with universities and the biotechnology company Scienco, the new formulation uses the fluorescent ability of quantum dots to identify the virus.

The study predicts the development of molecules capable of recognizing and attaching themselves to viral particles, associated with a signaling strategy, composed of nanostructures called quantum dots. The experiment proved to be promising and the application of this new strategy can be used as a fast molecular test, making testing faster and cheaper.

“It is a new rapid diagnostic test for Covid-19, without requiring a lot of technology or time. The system detects a viral target and, through quantum dots, generates a flowering signal, confirming the presence of the new coronavirus ”, explains the chief researcher at ISI QV, Antonio Fidalgo.

With this technique it is possible to detect the presence of the virus already in the collection rods (Swabs) of the secretions of the throat and nose. The stems are stored in collecting tubes with reagents, which change color or have their fluorescent nature altered in case the virus is detected. “There is a promising future for this technique. It will open new doors for other possibilities ”, adds Antonio Fidalgo.

National technology 

“The great advantage is that it is a low cost test, national technology, easy to use, allowing immediate detection of the virus and does not require a highly qualified workforce to handle the formulation”, says Maria de Lourdes Magalhães, biochemist University of the State of Santa Catarina and director of Scienco.

Developed in three months, the project was financed by the National Department of SENAI and the Brazilian Association for Industrial Development (ABDI), and developed by ISI QV and Scienco, having as partners the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), the Federal University Rural do Rio (UFRRJ) and the State University of Santa Catarina (Udesc).

With the advancement of research, the 100% Brazilian invention may be available to the entire world by December. “This is an open innovation project. Everything that was produced here will not be patented and will be public. Anyone who wants to develop the same molecule or use the same strategy, that data will be available. The objective is that, in fact, it allows mass testing, because today we know that it is essential for the control of Covid-19 ”, highlights the chief researcher of the Senai Institute for Innovation in Green Chemistry.