After a recent breakthrough, it seems only a matter of time before growers have a handy virus sensor that provides quick insight into the presence of pathogenic viruses in their water system. \u201cWe are still one hurdle away from a world first,\u201d says project leader Andr\u00e9 van der Wurff of Normac Groen Agro Control. Together with Kees Koopal from Sendot Research, he provides an update on the daring project, the finish line of which is in sight.\u00a0You can certainly call the ‘Development of virus sensor’ project daring. Because although a virus sensor in itself is not unique, the existing devices are far too large and too expensive to even consider practical use on horticultural companies.<\/p>\n
Sensor functions<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cHandy and affordable sensors for daily use on horticultural companies are simply not available,\u201d says Van der Wurff. \u201cWhile there is a great need for it worldwide, because water-borne viruses are a growing problem in professional horticulture and limit the options for recirculating water. Glastuinbouw Nederland and Plantum have recognized this and made this complex project possible. We are very pleased to have cleared another crucial hurdle. The virus sensor has been implemented and is functioning. That in itself is a world first. For repeated use in practice, we now have one more hurdle to overcome: rinsing the detector.\u201d<\/p>\n Active and inactive virulent material<\/strong><\/p>\n The project leader tells his story together with Kees Koopal, R&D manager at sensor builder Sendot Research. \u201cIt took blood, sweat and tears to translate the large, existing laboratory concept into a handy, well-functioning practical instrument that provides clarity in almost real time,\u201d says Koopal. \u201cFor the first time, fiber optics is used, in which our company specializes.\u201d Visual detection is accomplished by loading the detector with antibodies and bringing it into contact with water that may contain virulent material. These bind to the antibodies and are treated with a fluorescent substance with freely present secondary antibodies. This makes them ‘readable’ for the optical sensor. What is special is that the sensor can distinguish between active (strongly bound) and inactive (weakly bound) virulent material. That distinction is essential, as explained in previous publications. See the links below this article.<\/p>\n