A New Approach to Detecting Influenza
RESEARCHERS have developed an innovative taste-based sensor for influenza detection, designed to identify infection through a chemical response on the tongue. This unique approach could allow for early and widespread screening during outbreaks, addressing one of the major challenges in controlling flu transmission, presymptomatic spread.
The study describes the synthesis of compounds that react specifically to viral neuraminidase, a key enzyme the influenza virus uses to invade host cells. By exploiting this viral dependency, the sensor is able to trigger a distinctive taste response in the presence of the virus, providing an immediate and accessible indicator of infection.
Viral Neuraminidase: The Key to Selectivity
The sensor’s design hinges on N-acetylneuraminic acid–thymol derivatives that were chemically optimized to react only with viral, not bacterial, neuraminidase. Structural analysis and molecular docking confirmed this viral selectivity, ensuring that the system accurately distinguishes influenza from other infections. This precision is crucial for maintaining diagnostic accuracy in real-world settings.
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness in Future Outbreaks
Unlike traditional influenza tests that require specialized equipment or laboratory infrastructure, the taste-based detection method offers the potential for anywhere, anytime screening. Its simplicity and affordability could make it especially valuable in early-stage outbreak management, when identifying presymptomatic carriers can prevent large-scale spread. The authors suggest this approach may help stratify individuals for confirmatory testing, forming a powerful first-line defense in pandemic preparedness.
Reference: Raschig M et al. A Viral Neuraminidase-Specific Sensor for Taste-Based Detection of Influenza. ACS Central Science. 2025; Published online October 1, 2025. doi:10.1021/acscentsci.5c01179
