System for on-site detection of virus-loaded aerosol
Year
2021
Project team
Domitilla Del Vecchio with Huifeng Du, Simone Bruno, and Kalon Overholt
![](https://deshpande.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/istockphoto-1284066598-612x612-1-aspect-ratio-580-360-580x360-c-default.jpg)
Infectious disease
Posing a continuous risk
Early detection
of airborne threats
Guide managers
On facility safety
Rapid samples of indoor air quality
With major medical epidemics happening every 2-6 years, the spread of infectious disease poses a continuous risk. The global medical community advocates taking steps to reduce the possibility of airborne transmission of viruses. This project focuses on making a device to sample the air of an indoor environment and detect the presence and concentration of a target virus on-site. This device will serve for early detection of high-risk biological threats and for everyday assessment of common pathogen levels. It will guide facility managers on the optimum operation of HVAC systems to save energy and maintain occupant safety.
![](https://live-mit-deshpande.pantheonsite.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Project-Del-Vecchio-image_edited-1024x640.jpg)