Air monitoring risk area [Co-funded by CEA]

Following the acceptance of the ANR flash project Covid-19 "ARISE", the CEA-Leti teams mobilized in record time, and are working to develop a prototype air analysis instrument for the monitoring of the pathogen SARS-CoV-2 in the form of droplets or aerosols. The ARISE project, carried out in partnership with the Pasteur Institute, proposes the development and validation of an analytical chain for air monitoring of areas at risk, in order to control confined environments. This solution will be based on an electrostatic air sampler to collect submicronic and micronic particles coupled with a microfluidic module containing freeze-dried biological reagents, designed for rapid in situ isothermal amplification of viral nucleic acids. This strategy will allow reliable detection of viruses in up to 30 minutes. The system will be compact and lightweight and will allow for semi-continuous on-site monitoring. Particular attention will be paid to its development to ensure its use by non-experts.