A Point-of-Care device for fast and cost-effective molecular testing of SARS-CoV2 in nasal samples

Nanoplasmas P.C., Aghia Paraskevi, Athens, Attica, Greece

TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY

Tech Brief: We develop a Point-of-Care device for ultrafast (within 30 min), colorimetric (visual) detection of nucleic acid targets to provide on-site identification of SARS-CoV2 by non-specialized operators, at a significantly reduced cost (by 10x for the device compared to traditional thermocyclers, and 4x for the consumables compared to real-time PCR).

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SHOWCASE SUMMARY

FIGURES OF MERIT

Value Proposition: Our solution provides a sensitive, molecular test, with no need for any major equipment (visual detection, only a heating plate needed). Therefore, the cost is significantly reduced. Since isothermal RT-LAMP does not require viral DNA purification, the analysis time and labor are significantly reduced (by a factor of 5 compared to RT-PCR). Since no purification is necessary, the total cost reduction is by a factor of 10 compared to RT-PCR. Being a molecular method, RT-LAMP provides similar sensitivity to RT-PCR, considered the gold standard. Therefore, without sacrificing sensitivity or specificity, our solution provides a rapid test (within 30 min). Finally, our solution is ideal for point of care analysis. The technology will have an impact on diagnostics for pathogenic virus and bacteria detection from human or animal samples. The technology of nucleic acid amplification and microfluidics implementation are well established and thus our approach will be a generic platform for pathogen detection, having the simplicity, portability and speed of simple antigen tests, but the accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of molecular tests. We expect this to have a near-term impact on health industry, and long-term also on food industry, agriculture and animal breeding for food, or leather or other purpose.