Development of electronic devices for virus detection applications

The seminal importance of detecting virus pathogen at point-of-care tests has driven the search for more sensitive, low-cost, scalable, and robust sensors. The mass and economical production of efficient detection devices for viruses, bacteria and other pathogens can play a crucial role in facilitating early diagnosis and mitigation of diseases. Specifically, for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, effective detection techniques have played a significant role in containing the spread of the highly infectious disease. The gold standard method currently employed for SARS-CoV-2 detection is real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) [1, 2]. However, this molecular diagnosis method is expensive, time consuming and inconvenient, requiring highly trained professionals to conduct tests [2]. Therefore, there is an urgent unmet need for point-of-care diagnostic techniques that are accurate, rapid and inexpensive.

The aim of this project is to study the materials, devices and the electronic phenomenon in biological and electronics world in order to develop an efficient, low-cost, robust, compact and rapid immunodiagnostic testing device, specifically the electronic devices i.e., field effect transistors and electrochemical transistors. These devices may contain pathogen binding aptamers or antibodies in an electronic polymer matrix in their active channels or metal electrodes. The target is to detect pathogens such as respiratory infection causing viruses (influenza, RSV, COVID) in the FET channel and study the electro-capacitive transient signature for each pathogen. The device design will further include i) multiplexing to diagnose viruses on the same chip and ii) artificial intelligence feedback loop to the sensor for improved accuracy of the device. An extensive study will investigate the bio/chemical changes in device upon exposure to the pathogens, aiding in the formulation of a relationship between the detection mechanism, material combination and their interfaces.

In this project, a multitude of device fabrication and geometry concepts will be explored at the Department of Engineering, Durham University. The direct channel analysis of saliva and blood samples will be performed at the Lancaster University, in collaboration with specialist virologist Dr Muhammad Munir and his research group. Dr Munir is also supporting the project with free access to their lab, materials and travelling to Lancaster. CPI-Sedgefield has a deep interest in the printable sensor technology for point-of-care diagnostics and therefore has a platform for prototype development and would be interested in supporting further funding bids and commercialisation, if the project is successful. To summarise, the project addresses the challenges in development of novel transistor-based biosensors that enables highly sensitive and selective, miniaturized point-of-care detection technology.

References:
[1] Morales-Narváez, E. et al. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 163, 112274, 2020.
[2] Poghossian, A. et al. Frontiers in Plant Science, 11, 2020.
[3] Seo, G. et al. ACS Nano, 14(4), 5135, 2020.