Point-of care Influenza Diagnostics FLU-ID

Research Project, 2014 – 2021

This interdisciplinary project aims at developing a portable diagnostics unit, which will enable the rapid detection of influenza directly at the point of care. The envisioned unit is based on state-of-the-art micro-, and nanotechnologies, and will enable the detection and identification of influenza viruses. We envision a fast, low-cost bioassay, an ultra-sensitive magnetic detection scheme and a handheld point-of-care device. Sample preparation, assay and interface to the detector are provided through a microfluidic lab-on-a-chip. The work load is distributed over 4 work packages: Magnetic nucleic acid assay development; Detector development; Lab-on-a-chip and sample processing; Device construction, integration, testing and benchmarking. We anticipate the successful development of a set of methods and instruments for point of care diagnostics: biochemical assays for the detection of influenza nucleic acid targets, prototypes of magnetic sensing technologies, a disposable lab-on-a-chip system for sample preparation, transport, processing and measurement, and finally a portable, inexpensive diagnostics device. The project will generate Swedish-owned IP and competitive competence developed by Swedish researchers. The new methods and instruments are generic and not limited to influenza. Many relevant microorganisms, for example staphylococci (MRSA), parasitic protozoa (malaria) and zoonotic pathogens (~60% of all pathogens infecting humans) require a similar approach.