User-friendly and robust paper-based device for in-field diagnostic of infectious diseases

Early detection of infectious diseases requires rapid, portable and highly sensitive molecular diagnostic platforms. This project aims at creating a point-of-care (POC) device that simplifies the efforts in monitoring and eliminating infectious diseases in rural low-resource areas. Low-cost, paper-based devices based on microfluidics have been developed but none currently meet the "ASSURED" criteria for effective POC testing provided by World Health Organization (Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User-friendly, Rapid and robust, Equipment-free and Deliverable to end-users). Even if current tests can detect very low concentrations of infectious organisms, their limited robustness restricts their practical use in the clinics and in communities, due to the degradation of essential reagents (such as enzymes) in challenging field conditions, outside of the laboratory environment. In this project, we will develop new amplification methods, including on-board reagent storage and sample processing and integrate them onto paper substrates to deliver "ASSURED" devices. The new capabilities will be prototyped using additive manufacturing and tested using model samples (artificial DNA/RNA in buffers) to establish proof-of-concept, followed by spiked real samples. Depending on progress and international travel restrictions, the devices will potentially be brought to our partners in Africa for evaluation in the field.