Researchers Develop New Point-Of-Care Test For COVID-19

Researchers from Wageningen University and TNO have developed a tool that will allow reliable point-of-care tests for COVID-19 which is not only cost-effective but also easy to produce. The researchers have made the instructions accessible for all in order to maximize its use and also to accelerate its demand in the low-income and remote regions. The researchers have made the test from recyclable empty aluminum coffee capsules. These materials are recycled in the small chemical reactors. The team has made a 3D-printed plastic holder for integrating 4 Eppendorf vials that could be used to perform the tests. The latest test is expected to provide results within 30 Minutes.

The new device makes use of the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (Lamp). The presence of Sars-CoV-2 in the saliva sample causes the Lamp reaction to acidify the solution, which can then be identified with a pH indicator, like the phenol red. The pink color indicates negative whereas yellow represents positive. The researchers have found heating samples without the use of electricity to make the test accessible. The capsules are filled with a wax, which is a phase-changing material that melts at 64°C. The capsules need to be placed in boiling water for switch in temperature. They can also be used several times without forming wastes. When aluminum reaches the end of its life cycle, it can be recycled whereas the 3D-printed plastic is biodegradable and the paraffin can be burned down.

According to lead researcher Simon Lewis from Curtin University, the latest point-of-care solution for emerging countries and remote areas is a game changer. The COVID-19 tests need to be safe, cost-effective, and accurate rather than just being optimized for well-equipped laboratories. This technology needs to be validated before commercializing. The researchers believe the test could also be used for detecting other infectious diseases owing its adaptable testing nature.