Point-of-care real-time DNA detection device for SARS-CoV-2 from clinical samples

Area of Science:

• Biophotonics
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Point-of-Care Testing

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for rapid, low-cost diagnostic tools.
• Existing methods can be slow and expensive, limiting widespread accessibility.
• Point-of-care and point-of-need systems offer solutions for field-level diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel bio-photonic device for efficient and affordable COVID-19 diagnosis.
• To enable rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA at the point of need.
• To create a diagnostic instrument with performance comparable to established laboratory methods.

Main Methods:

• Development of a bio-photonic device utilizing an isothermal Easy Loop Amplification system.
• Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using a semiconductor laser and fluorescence detection.
• Management of emitted fluorescence via interferential filters for signal analysis.
• Autonomous data processing with an integrated control system and wireless results display.

Main Results:

• The developed device demonstrated analytical sensitivity comparable to quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
• The instrument is constructed from simple, low-cost components, ensuring affordability.
• The system provides autonomous analysis and wireless reporting of results.

Conclusions:

• The bio-photonic device offers a high-efficiency, low-cost solution for COVID-19 diagnosis.
• This technology facilitates rapid, accurate diagnostics at the point of care or outbreak sites.
• The developed instrument addresses the need for accessible and fast SARS-CoV-2 detection.