SARSChip: a simplified diagnosis of Covid-19
About the project
The project “SARSChip- On-chip testing of SARS-CoV” is a portable and universal diagnostic system that aims at using and interpreting COVID-19 test results in a simplified way. The system is being developed in Técnico/ INESC-MN laboratories, allowing molecular diagnosis of the new coronavirus and serological analysis of patients.
SARSChip is the result of a research work on molecular recognition, based on magnetoresistive sensors, and a portable electronic platform to read these sensors. The project aims to develop molecular and serological tests, easy to use and read, for the accurate diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 at any stage of the infection.
The technology that will be used in the project is the result of a collaboration of almost two decades between INESC MN and INESC-ID/Técnico. The research team was already developing a detecting system for viral infections with a particular focus on Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya, which is being converted to detect SARS-CoV-2. The tests will be single-use disposable devices, based on a microfabricated biochip, magnetic particles and microfluidic structures. A portable electronic platform will accurately read these tests.
The project “SARSChip- On-chip testing of SARS-CoV” is coordinated by Verónica Romão, and was one of the winners of “RESEARCH 4 COVID-19” – 2nd edition, promoted by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT).
Location
Lisbon
Entities
- Instituto Superior Técnico
- INESC-MN – Microsystems and Nanotechnologies
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores, Investigação e Desenvolvimento – INESC ID
- STAB VIDA, INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology – University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD)
- Clinical Pathology Services of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro Hospital (CHTMAD)
- Clinical Pathology Services of Cova da Beira Hospital (CHUCB)
Keywords
- Diagnosis
- Test reading
- Molecular tests
- Serological test