Overview

• The lab-stage sensor is designed to release a thyme-like flavor when influenza neuraminidase in saliva cleaves a linked aroma molecule.
• Tests on patient saliva showed detectable thymol within about 30 minutes, and in vitro assessments reported no damage to human or animal cells.
• The readout can be configured as different tastes such as bitter, sweet, salty or menthol, or as a visible dye for non-taste signaling.
• The team presents the concept as a low-cost, self-administered screen suitable for schools, care homes and low-resource environments without lab support.
• Researchers are collaborating with a startup and estimate roughly four years to a mass-producible product, with human clinical performance still untested.