TECHNOLOGY:
Low-cost Biosensor for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 at the Point-of-Care
AFFILIATION:
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY
Area:
Diagnostic technologies for identification of SARS-CoV-2 from human nasal, buccal, or saliva samples
Tech Brief: We have developed a diagnostic test that uses minimal sample volumes (10 µL), costs <$5 to produce, and can detect SARS-CoV-2 within 4 minutes making it vastly cheaper and faster than existing diagnostics.
SHOWCASE SUMMARY
Org Type:
Academic/Gov Lab
FIGURES OF MERIT
Value Proposition: Existing diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 include RT-PCR assays that depend on strained supply chains for supplies and materials (e.g. enzymes, nasal swabs) that have limited worldwide testing ability and capacity. Meanwhile, antigen tests deliver faster results, but supply chain issues and inaccuracies remain a major issue. Our diagnostic is based on novel technology can be simply and efficiently scaled. This diagnostic delivers rapid results, in less than 5 minutes, at a high level of sensitivity (96%) and specificity (100%). There are vast implications for a diagnostic that can deliver reliable, rapid results at the palm of the hand—from reopening sports and entertainment venues, to enabling safe travel, restoring delivery of in-person healthcare, and much more. This new technology can be further developed for other uses, including “smart masks” that continuously monitor for SARS-CoV-2, and detection of other pathogens. Commercial partners have an opportunity to leverage a new and exciting technology that can benefit millions, now and in the future, and transform the domain of point-of-care diagnostics.