ams and OSRAM offer molecular detection solutions for COVID-19 via spectral sensors

ams Osram and BiologyWorks, a US molecular testing organization, jointly provide fast, accurate and convenient molecular testing solutions for COVID-19 through spectral sensors

• The new BiologyWorks k(now)™ device provides highly accurate testing for COVID-19 or other molecular assays, redefining the standard of testing in healthcare;

• Multispectral sensors from ams Osram can detect virus molecules by analyzing nasal swab samples;

• Flexible spectral sensors are standardized for all wavelengths of light, enabling BiologyWorks™ to use different assays to identify information such as COVID-19, Flu A/B, blood sugar levels, and STDs.

ams Osram, a leading global supplier of optical solutions, today announced that its multispectral technology products are used as core components in BiologyWorks k(now)™, a device that enables economical and rapid laboratory-grade molecular testing for the detection of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and other viral infections.

“The ams OSRAM spectral sensor is a key component in the BiologyWorks k(now)™ device, with its unique ability to quickly and reliably identify samples, thus ensuring accurate digital results,” said Peter Marx, founder of BiologyWorks.

Using the BiologyWorks k(now)™ device is simple: take a sample from the front nose swab, add it to two test tubes containing liquids in succession, and then take a drop of the mixture and drop it into a disposable test cartridge; then insert the test cartridge into the molecular detection device. The device is highly accurate, low-cost, and can detect multiple indicators at the same time; finally, scan the QR code on the device display with a smartphone to get the COVID-19 test results.

The BiologyWorks k(now)™ device uses the AS7341L, a 10-channel spectral sensor from ams OSRAM, which provides highly accurate spectral identification for reflectance or fluorescence measurements. The AS7341L's multi-wavelength approach enables cost-effective multi-analyte detection and is available in a package compatible with mobile devices. With BiologyWorks' cutting-edge software and hardware, combined with LAMP chemistry technology, analysis and results can be completed at home in minutes.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of spectral sensing technologies that enable COVID-19 testing in both point-of-care and at-home settings through products such as the BiologyWorks k(now)™ device,” said Jennifer Zhao, Executive Vice President of Advanced Optical Sensors at ams OSRAM. “Our sensor solutions are designed to improve the speed, sensitivity and cycle time of a wide range of diagnostic tests. These rapid, accurate and affordable large-scale testing solutions can play a huge role in controlling the spread of the virus and help us restart the economy and resume many of the social activities that have been shut down over the past year.”

The BiologyWorks k(now)™ device uses ams OSRAM’s 10-channel spectral sensor AS7341L to provide a fast and accurate way to detect COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

Image: BiologyWorks

About ams OSRAM ams OSRAM Group, including the listed companies ams AG (parent company) and OSRAM Licht AG, is a global leader in optical solutions. We bring intelligence to light and our passion for innovation enriches people's lives. This is what "Sensing is Life" means.

With a history of more than 110 years, we have been deeply involved in the field of sensing and optical technology and continue to promote innovation, guided by our imagination of future technologies, combined with deep engineering expertise and strong global industrial capacity. In the fields of consumer electronics, automobiles, healthcare and industrial manufacturing, we are committed to providing customers with competitive solutions, and in terms of health, safety and convenience, we are committed to improving people's quality of life and promoting green environmental protection. We have approximately 30,000 employees worldwide, focusing on innovations in sensing, lighting and visualization to make journeys safer, medical diagnosis more accurate and communication more convenient. We are committed to developing breakthrough application innovation technologies, and have currently granted and applied for more than 15,000 patents.

The group headquarters are in Premstaetten/Graz, Austria, and the joint headquarters are in Munich, Germany. The group's total revenues for 2020 are expected to exceed $5 billion. In addition, many of our products and services are registered or filed trademarks of the ams Group. All other company or product names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.