New Diagnostic System for rapid viral testing

Simultaneous infections with multiple respiratory viruses pose a significant diagnostic challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of efficient diagnostic tools to curb outbreaks. However, traditional methods such as Reverse Transcriptase-quantitative PCRs (RT-qPCRs) are expensive and require sophisticated equipment, making them less accessible in low-resource environments.   

To address this gap, a research team led by Professor Eunjung Kim developed the TDD system.  

The TDD system includes:   

• Microfluidic Chip: Made of transparent poly (methyl methacrylate) with hydrogel-based, enzyme-free gene detection sensors.   

• Handheld Fluorescence Reader: Compact and user-friendly for on-site diagnostics.   

The hydrogel chambers are embedded with specialized probes that detect SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A. When target DNA interacts with these probes, a fluorescence signal is amplified, enabling precise detection.   

The system was tested using 15 nasopharyngeal swabs each from healthy individuals, patients with COVID-19, and those with Flu A. 

Key results include:   

• SARS-CoV-2 Detection: 93.3% correct positive results, 96.7% correct negative results.  

• Influenza A Detection: 100% correct positive results, 96.7% correct negative results.   

• High Sensitivity: Detection limits of 0.46 pM (SARS-CoV-2) and 0.39 pM (Influenza A). 

• Cost-Effectiveness: Reduces reliance on expensive laboratory equipment. 

• Scalability: Can be adapted to detect additional viruses by incorporating more channels and probes.   

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Incheon National University