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Brazilian researchers develop biosensors with rapid diagnosis of avian flu. USP São Carlos technology enhances health surveillance.
The search for tools capable of detecting infectious diseases more quickly has made significant progress in Brazil. Brazilian researchers have developed a technology based on smart sensors that identifies antibodies related to the H5N1 virus, responsible for avian flu, in approximately six minutes. The project was led by scientists from the Institute of Physics of São Carlos at USP São Carlos and represents an important step to make rapid diagnosis more accessible and efficient.
The study was published in the scientific journal ACS Applied Nano Materials on April 3, 2026 and brought together researchers from the University of São Paulo, Embrapa Instrumentation, Federal University of Amazonas, Federal Institute of São Paulo, and international institutions. The new platform uses biosensors, artificial intelligence, and low-cost materials to offer a promising alternative to traditional methods of disease detection.
Brazilian researchers create smart sensors to accelerate rapid diagnosis of avian flu
The Brazilian researchers developed a device known as an “electronic tongue,” a technology inspired by the way the human tongue identifies different flavors. Instead of recognizing food, the equipment uses smart sensors to detect antibodies produced against the H5N1 virus.
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When they come into contact with a sample, the sensors record small electrical changes. This information is analyzed by artificial intelligence algorithms, allowing a rapid diagnosis with a high level of precision.
Another differentiator is the use of proteins from renewable sources and low-cost materials, making the solution more accessible for large-scale applications.
USP São Carlos technology combines biosensors and artificial intelligence
The team at USP São Carlos focused on integrating different technologies developed in Brazil to create a portable and efficient platform.
The biosensors were designed to recognize very small amounts of antibodies related to avian flu, while machine learning algorithms interpret the data collected during the examination.
In tests conducted by the researchers, the system achieved about 99% accuracy in differentiating H5N1 positive samples from samples related to other avian diseases.
Another important result was the absence of false positives during the experiments described by the authors.
Rapid diagnosis can transform the fight against avian flu
Speed is one of the main differentiators of the technology.
While some laboratory tests require more time to be completed, the new platform performs the rapid diagnosis in approximately six minutes.
This time gain can make a difference during sanitary emergency situations, allowing containment measures to be adopted before the virus spreads.
Among the main benefits are:
- Faster identification of possible disease outbreaks;
- Reduction in response time of health authorities;
- Greater ease for monitoring in farms and veterinary clinics;
- Possibility of expansion to other epidemiological surveillance environments.
According to researcher Osvaldo Novais de Oliveira Junior, from IFSC/USP São Carlos, one of the highlights of the project is the integration between national equipment and modern machine learning techniques, demonstrating the potential of scientific research developed in Brazil.
Why avian flu continues to concern health authorities
Avian flu remains among the most monitored infectious diseases worldwide.
Although most cases occur in birds, specialists constantly monitor the evolution of the H5N1 virus due to its potential to infect humans in specific situations.
Human cases remain relatively rare, but the mortality rate observed in these infections is considered high compared to common flu.
For this reason, international organizations maintain constant surveillance of the virus circulation in different regions.
The earlier the infection is identified, the greater the chances of preventing new outbreaks.
Brazilian researchers highlight economic impacts of the disease
The damages caused by avian flu are not limited to animal health.
When an outbreak is confirmed, millions of birds may be culled preventively to prevent the spread of the virus, generating direct impacts for producers and exporters.
The study itself cites that, between 2004 and 2008, Asian countries recorded estimated losses of about US$ 1 billion.
These losses involved:
- Sanitary culling of birds;
- Costs with control measures;
- Reduction in exports;
- Decrease in consumption of chicken meat and derivatives;
- Impacts on the entire production chain, including transportation, storage, and feed production.
In this scenario, technologies capable of accelerating rapid diagnosis become strategic to reduce economic losses and strengthen health security.
Research technical sheet
| Information | Details |
| Technology | Electronic tongue based on biosensors |
| Monitored disease | Avian flu (H5N1) |
| Leading institution | IFSC/USP São Carlos |
| Publication | ACS Applied Nano Materials |
| Exam time | Approximately 6 minutes |
| Accuracy | About 99% |
| Materials | Renewable proteins and low-cost components |
| Artificial intelligence | Used in data interpretation |
| Participants | USP, Embrapa Instrumentação, Federal University of Amazonas, Federal Institute of São Paulo, and international partners |
Biosensors may pave the way for new infectious disease tests
Although the research initially focuses on avian flu, scientists believe the platform can be adapted to identify various other infectious agents.
The biosensors used in the so-called electronic tongue demonstrated high sensitivity during tests, managing to recognize very small amounts of antibodies related to the H5N1 virus.
This expands the potential use of the technology in different areas of health and veterinary medicine.
Beyond farms, the expectation is that the system can eventually be employed in:
- Veterinary clinics;
- Diagnostic laboratories;
- Sanitary monitoring centers;
- Epidemiological surveillance programs;
- Applications aimed at human health.
This versatility makes the platform seen as a promising solution to face future sanitary emergencies.
Smart sensors combine national innovation and low-cost materials
One of the most relevant points of the study is the combination of technological innovation and cost reduction.
The smart sensors were produced using proteins obtained from renewable sources and lower-cost materials compared to those used in various conventional laboratory methods.
Additionally, the electrical measurements were carried out with a portable analyzer developed by the Brazilian startup Blatron, while the information processing used machine learning models capable of interpreting the signals generated by the sensors.
According to the authors, this integration between national hardware, artificial intelligence, and biosensors demonstrates the potential of Brazilian research to develop internationally competitive solutions.
USP São Carlos brings together Brazilian institutions in research of international scope
The work was coordinated by researchers from the Institute of Physics of São Carlos at USP São Carlos, bringing together specialists from different Brazilian institutions and international partners.
In addition to the University of São Paulo, researchers from Embrapa Instrumentation, Federal University of Amazonas, and Federal Institute of São Paulo participated in the study.
This multidisciplinary collaboration allowed for the integration of knowledge from the fields of physics, chemistry, nanotechnology, materials science, artificial intelligence, and biosensing.
The result was a platform that combines speed, precision, and potential for practical application, fundamental characteristics to enhance the response capacity in the face of possible avian flu outbreaks.
Advancement reinforces the role of Brazilian science in sanitary security
The development of this technology shows how national science can contribute to addressing global challenges related to infectious diseases.
By combining Brazilian researchers, smart sensors, artificial intelligence, and biosensors, the project presents an alternative capable of making rapid diagnosis more accessible without compromising accuracy.
In a scenario where avian flu continues to be monitored by health authorities due to risks to animal production, international trade, and public health, solutions capable of reducing the time to identify cases become increasingly strategic.
More than speeding up tests, the technology led by USP São Carlos demonstrates the potential of scientific research developed in Brazil to create innovative, low-cost tools with the capacity to strengthen health surveillance. If future studies confirm its performance in real applications, the platform could significantly enhance the response capacity to future epidemics and benefit different sectors related to health and agribusiness.
