Virus detection has typically been done by conventional RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction). The conventional RT-PCR method has several disadvantages such as needing a longer analysis time, requiring a skilled labor force, and fluorescence dye for RT-PCR may have non-specific characteristics from time to time. The proposed approach can provide a single RNA molecule level of detection with a one hour analysis, a fully automated system, and multiple detections.
The objective of the proposed approach is to detect the various viral-RNA molecules by rolling circle amplification coupled with multiplexed primer-conjugated beads in BioMEMS devices including a microfluidic-microdroplet and a lateral flow paper fluidic platform.
This novel RNA detection technology consists of:
- RCA – a virus RNA detection mechanism using a novel rolling circle amplification that can detect a low level of RNA by amplifying its signal
- Multi-detection – various conjugated-beads enabled to differentiate multiple target detections (Normal Flu vs. COVID-19)
- Multi-platform – applicable to various BioMEMS platform such as microfluidic devices and lateral flow paper testing tools
Benefits
- Shorter analysis time required (1 hour)
- Fully automated system (no need for trained labor)
- Multiple detections, to differentiate the normal flu virus and COVID-19
- Reduced consumption of analytical reagents including molecular detection probes, thus lowering the cost of application
- Single RNA molecule level of detection is expected since ScanDrop microdroplet platform has more than 10K throughput
Applications
- Lightweight, portable devices that can be adapted for the field applications
- Rapid and accurate diagnostic tool for COVID-19 and newly discovered viral strains
- Diagnostic analysis associated with novel RCA mechanisms can be also used in various other types of diagnostics including DNA/RNA fragments, proteins, exosomes, etc.
Inventors
- Ji Won Lim, Tania Konry
Tech ID
- INV-20085
- A Novel Quantitative Detection Method for COVID19 by Rolling Circle Amplification in Various BioMEMS Analytical Platforms