Specific Real-time Identification and Quantification of Airborne Pathogens

In collaboration with Prof. Dr. Markus Kalberer at the University of Basel and Prof. Dr. Ernest Weingartner at the University of Applied Sciences (FHNW), this project aims to develop a novel automated instrument capable of detecting airborne pathogens directly at the site of interest—in real time and with high specificity. The system features a high-capacity, high-efficiency particle-into-liquid sampling unit capable of capturing pathogens as small as 50 nm. Monoclonal antibodies with strong affinity and specificity for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus subtypes (H1, H3, H5) are generated and integrated into the device’s detection platform. The combined technological and immunological advances will be validated through real-world proof-of-concept deployments in environments such as hospitals and nursing homes.