Groundbreaking Possibility for Alertgy's Non-Invasive Propriety Sensor for Detecting Covid-19

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic necessitates the need for robust and reliable detection methods to tackle the spread of the virus and to alleviate the severe socio-economic consequences of the disease. Alertgy has partnered with Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) Immunology and Virology Department to execute a collaborative study on the diagnostic capabilities of Alertgy’s newly patented dielectric sensor technology and its possibilities to detect the COVID-19 virus. The goal of this research is to expand the use of our existing field-based dielectric analyzer to include detection and identification of viral particles.

Alertgy is in the process of developing two key components to execute this research study- (1) an electret mask with a microfiber matrix to trap viral particles and (2) an in vitro dielectric analyzer unit, which includes Alertgy’s dielectric sensor and a custom-engineered reservoir for the real-time analysis of the microfiber matrix from the mask.

The proposed project will be broken down into three specific phases. The first phase of the project will explore the possibility that the dielectric-based technology can be tuned to detect inactivated, non-infectious SARS-CoV-2. The second phase will demonstrate that the transformative dielectric-based device can detect SARS-CoV-2 with specificity and can differentiate between other respiratory viruses, such as the flu. The final goal is to deliver a portable in vitro dielectric analyzer along with a mask-based viral trap system. This combination will provide a reliable and robust SARS-CoV-2 virus detection platform. All testing involving viral particles will be done and handled safely by trained professionals at the FAU laboratories.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for rapid development of reliable tests for emerging dangerous pathogens, especially those that are airborne. Current molecular biology tests, such as the real-time quantitative, polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and a newly developed antigen tests are widely used to detect SARS-CoV-2. These methods require months to develop as they must be generated and produced on an exceptionally large scale. Furthermore, they require expensive reagents, additional instruments, technical expertise, standardization protocols, and, in the case of RT-qPCR, require long turnover times that greatly hinder therapeutic and preventative strategies. Now more than ever, it is clear that these present a large percentage of false positive and negative results, significantly hampering the fight against the epidemic and negatively impact clinical outcomes.

Alertgy’s coronavirus technology will enable a viral particle detection method which will afford several significant advantages in detecting infected individuals during a pandemic. It is non-invasive, inexpensive, rapid, requires no reagents or swabs, and eliminates operator error. The provision of new instrumentation for the non-invasive detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses will represent a significant contribution to both fields of dielectric spectroscopy and viral detection/diagnosis. Alertgy’s approach plans to revolutionize the diagnostic testing industry, helping aid and preventing future pandemics that may arise.  

Along with the proprietary machine learning algorithms called DeepGluco®, Alertgy has been granted a patent for their innovative and groundbreaking radio frequency sensor technology. The patent, titled “Apparatus for in vivo dielectric spectroscopy”, adds an additional layer of protection to Alertgy’s unique approach and cements the statement that Alertgy is truly discovering and developing technology that has never been seen before. With many more patents filed and going through the process, this crucial patent is sure to be the first of many that will help Alertgy to become the most groundbreaking new tech company of 2020.