Description

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the limitations of existing technologies to be able to implement rapid, mass screening processes by detecting infectious pathogens in people. The need for such detection tools is particularly important at crowded events and transports, where the accumulation of people would facilitate viral transmission – and for public health initiatives to deal with variants, post-vaccination failures and other circumstances – including the detection of biological threats at border controls and the prevention of bioterrorism – that will foreseeably accompany society in the coming months and years.

In this context, we have developed a technology for virus detection based on hyperspectral images that allows rapid and massive detection of SARS-CoV-2 in two human fluids (nasopharyngeal swab and saliva) and of two other types of synthetic viruses (lentivirus and coronavirus) in biofluids (saline solution and artificial saliva). It allows the simultaneous analysis of multiple samples to detect and quantify the viral load. With no physical contact with samples, it does not require the use of reagents and can be implemented using relatively simple equipment, even in resource-limited settings, and is suitable for safe use by minimally trained personnel.

The technology has the potential to provide the accuracy of molecular testing with the speed, accessibility and cost structure of antigen testing for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, and has very high development potential for other pathogens and fluids. It can be deployed as laboratory equipment and as a mobile unit (e.g. for use at mass gatherings and border control).

This technology is covered by a European patent (EP) and an international patent application (PCT).

• The sample collection method is non-invasive (contactless) and multiple samples can be analyzed simultaneously to detect and quantify the viral load.
• The detection method is rapid, remote and reagent-free, so it can be implemented in environments with limited resources, and used by minimally trained personnel.
• Useful in various technical and industrial sectors of medicine (virology, public health, surveillance) and biology, for the detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases in pandemic situations, as well as in biosanitary control and border defense applications
• The technology can be implemented in various equipment, mobile units and devices, including drones, helmets or smartphones.

TRL 5-6. It has been tested for the detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 viral load in two human fluids, and two artificial viruses in two other biofluids.

Search for partners interested in a license and/or collaboration agreement to develop and exploit this technology.

Area: Medical devices
Pathology: Infectious diseases