IN-SITU PATHOGEN DETECTION USING MAGNETOELASTIC SENSORS

In at least one illustrative embodiment, a method for in-situ pathogen detection may comprise distributing one or more magnetoelastic measurement sensors on a surface of a test object, wherein each of the one or more magnetoelastic measurement sensors includes a biorecognition element configured to bind with a pathogen to cause a shift in a characteristic frequency of the associated measurement sensor; applying a varying magnetic field, using a test coil, to the one or more magnetoelastic measurement sensors distributed on the surface of the test object, wherein the test object is positioned outside of an inner volume defined by the test coil; detecting a frequency response of the one or more magnetoelastic measurement sensors using the test coil, while applying the varying magnetic field; and determining whether the pathogen is present based on the detected frequency response of the one or more magnetoelastic measurement sensors.