Airborne SARS-CoV-2 transmission represents a significant route for possible human infection that is not yet fully understood. Viruses in droplets and aerosols are difficult to detect because they are typically present in low amounts. In addition, the current techniques used, such as RT-PCR and virus culturing, require large amounts of time to get results. Biosensor technology can provide rapid, handheld, and point-of-care systems that can identify virus presence quickly and accurately. This paper reviews the background of airborne virus transmission and the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, its relative risk for transmission even at distances greater than the currently suggested 6 feet (or 2 m) physical distancing. Publications on biosensor technology that may be applied to the detection of airborne SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses are also summarized. Based on the current research we believe that there is a pressing need for continued research into handheld and rapid methods for sensitive collection and detection of airborne viruses. We propose a paper-based microfluidic chip and immunofluorescence assay as one method that could be investigated as a low-cost and portable option.

空气传播的 SARS-CoV-2 传播是尚未完全了解的可能人类感染的重要途径。飞沫和气溶胶中的病毒很难检测，因为它们通常以少量存在。此外，目前使用的技术，如 RT-PCR 和病毒培养，需要大量时间才能获得结果。生物传感器技术可以提供快速、手持和即时护理系统，可以快速准确地识别病毒的存在。本文回顾了空气传播病毒传播的背景和 SARS-CoV-2 的特征，即使距离大于目前建议的 6 英尺（或 2 米）物理距离，其传播的相对风险也是如此。还总结了有关可用于检测空气传播的 SARS-CoV-2 和其他呼吸道病毒的生物传感器技术的出版物。根据目前的研究，我们认为迫切需要继续研究用于敏感收集和检测空气传播病毒的手持式和快速方法。我们提出了一种基于纸的微流控芯片和免疫荧光测定法，作为一种可以作为低成本和便携式选择进行研究的方法。