COVID-19 testing device (photo credit to PolyU Design) for real-time monitoring of gold nanoparticle-based loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay. The data are wirelessly sent to a smartphone for analysis and result display.
Dr. LEE Ming Hung Thomas (BME) and Prof. YIP Shea Ping (HTI) started developing gold nanoparticle-based colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for simple, fast, sensitive, specific, and inexpensive nucleic acid testing in 2014. The first-generation assay platform utilized disposable hand warmer content for LAMP reaction temperature control. In 2017, there were 2 major advancements, including new gold nanoparticle-based sensing method as well as simple and low-cost prototype device for real-time monitoring (device built by an undergraduate student). Since then, they collaborated with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department's Veterinary Laboratory Division for avian influenza virus detection (device built by the Industrial Centre at PolyU). Starting in 2020 with the financial support by the Health and Medical Research Fund, the project team (with new members of Dr. SIU Kit Hang Gilman and Dr. HUANG Chien Ling at PolyU, Dr. FUNG Sau Chun Kitty at United Christian Hospital, Dr. LAM Yiu Wing Jimmy at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, and Dr. JONG Kwok Kwan at Department of Health) has been using the assay platform for COVID-19 testing. The goal is to achieve rapid COVID-19 screening in decentralized settings such as airports, quarantine centers/hotels, and private clinics.
Details: https://bit.ly/31ZVfQF
Interview: https://youtu.be/p-FRwBo9fHU
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