A Portable Device for LAMP Based Detection of SARS-CoV-2

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Medical Devices
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Accurate and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Existing diagnostic methods like qPCR can be time-consuming and require specialized equipment.
• There is a need for accessible, point-of-need diagnostic tools for widespread screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, develop, and test a novel, low-cost portable device for rapid SARS-CoV-2 detection.
• To utilize loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for sensitive and quick molecular diagnosis.
• To evaluate the device's performance against established diagnostic techniques.

Main Methods:

• Development of a portable device integrating isothermal heating (aluminum block, cartridge heater) and fluorescence detection (single-board computer, camera).
• Implementation of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for amplifying viral genetic material.
• Testing the device with synthetic SARS-CoV-2 templates at clinically relevant concentrations.

Main Results:

• The device achieved visually distinguishable fluorescence detection within 20 minutes.
• Time-to-signal was significantly faster than standard qPCR, with results in ~10-20 min vs. >38 min for 1x10^2 starting template copy number.
• The device demonstrated sensitivity with clinically relevant concentrations of synthetic SARS-CoV-2 template.

Conclusions:

• The developed portable device is a simple, rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive platform for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
• This technology has the potential for population screening and point-of-need diagnosis.
• The device can aid in efficient patient management and disease control efforts.