March 29, 2024

Airbus will test the first biosensors to detect bombs at airports

Airbus will test the first biosensors to detect bombs at airports

Airbus will test a new type of "electronic nose" sensor that detects the presence of explosives nearby using modified biological cells.

The jellyfish-shaped device, developed by startup Koniku, functions as a specially trained sniffer dog. The company plans to begin placing them in airport corridors from the end of 2020.

The biosensor is based on silicon processors integrated with living cells that can detect the presence of certain chemicals in the air becauseactually breathe it. To do this, Koniku team uses embryonic cells or astrocytes, which after genetic modifications turn into olfactory receptors.

According to the developers, these sensors can be configured to search not only for chemical, but also for biological threats, such as dangerous viruses.

In addition to safety, odors also affect travel comfort, so Ford is developing a sensor to determine the range and strength of odors in the vehicle interior.

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