In a breakthrough that could change the way we detect and manage viral outbreaks, researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed a new, low-cost way to detect and measure SARS-CoV-2—the virus that causes COVID-19—using the principle of clay sedimentation.
Published in the journal ‘Applied Clay Science‘, this interdisciplinary work was done by Prof. T.V. Bharat from the Department of Civil Engineering and Prof. Sachin Kumar from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering. The team includes dedicated research scholars Dr. Himanshu Yadav and Ms. Deepa Mehta.
IIT Guwahati Clay-Based COVID Test: Details
At the core of this innovation is Bentonite clay, a natural material known for its unique chemical structure and high adsorption capacity. Used in environmental and industrial applications to remove pollutants, its use in virology is a new territory—and a promising one.
The researchers found that when mixed with electrolytes and viruses, the clay particles bind to the viral surface. The rate of settling—called sedimentation—becomes an indicator of the presence and concentration of the virus.
“Imagine detecting viruses by just observing how a clay solution settles—like watching sand drop in a glass of water,” said Prof. T.V. Bharat. “That’s the level of simplicity and accessibility we are aiming for. We want to replace complex and expensive methods with something reliable and affordable.”
Addressing a Pandemic-Era Diagnostic Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed numerous flaws in global health infrastructure, particularly in diagnostics. PCR testing, while sensitive, is slow and equipment-intensive. Antigen tests are rapid but often inaccurate. Antibody tests, meanwhile, are only effective after an infection has occurred.
In contrast, IIT Guwahati’s clay-based approach is designed to function even in resource-constrained settings—rural clinics, developing countries, and remote regions—where sophisticated equipment and trained personnel are often unavailable.
The research team demonstrated the method’s reliability by testing both a coronavirus surrogate and Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV), an avian coronavirus, at room temperature and a neutral pH of 7. These tests showed strong binding to the negatively charged clay surfaces, offering clear sedimentation patterns that correlated with viral presence.
Validation through conventional plaque assays and RT-PCR further affirmed the accuracy of the sedimentation results.
Broad Applications
Though initially focused on SARS-CoV-2, the implications of this research extend well beyond COVID-19. The team has already indicated its method can be adapted to detect other viral threats such as Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), a serious poultry pathogen with significant economic consequences in the farming industry.
This opens doors to developing on-site virus detection kits tailored for agriculture, wildlife surveillance, and epidemic preparedness in vulnerable communities.
Looking Ahead: Industry Collaboration and Clinical Trials
Recognizing the potential for global impact, the research team is now seeking collaborations with medical institutions and industry partners to advance clinical trials. Their ultimate aim: to transition from laboratory discovery to practical implementation.
“With industrial backing, we can scale this innovation and equip health systems—especially in low-income countries—with affordable tools for early virus detection,” said Prof. Sachin Kumar.
This initiative also builds on previous work by the team, including research into biomedical waste disposal methods funded by India’s Department of Science and Technology and published in prestigious journals such as ‘Langmuir‘.
Final Words
As global health agencies and governments prepare for future pandemics, low-cost, scalable, and fast diagnostic tools will be essential. IIT Guwahati’s clay sedimentation technique may just be the leap needed to decentralize and democratize viral diagnostics.
In an age where microscopic threats can bring the world to a standstill, this humble clay-based innovation underscores a powerful idea: sometimes, the simplest materials lead to the most transformative solutions.
Watch the Research Video: https://youtu.be/kp5Bh4CB09
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