emirates7 - A group of scientists at NYU Abu Dhabi has created an innovative paper-based diagnostic device capable of detecting COVID-19 and other infectious diseases in less than 10 minutes, without requiring complex laboratory equipment or specialized training.
Known as the Radially Compartmentalized Paper Chip (RCP-Chip), this device was developed by the Advanced Microfluidics and Microdevices Laboratory (AMMLab). It provides a rapid, cost-effective, and portable solution for on-site infectious disease screening.
The RCP-Chip detects even tiny amounts of viral genetic material using just a droplet of fluid, indicated by a visible color change.
It functions without the need for electricity or specialized instruments, requiring only mild heat around 65°C—similar to the warmth of water.
The research is published in the journal Advanced Sensor Research under the title Single-Layer Radially Compartmentalized Paper Chip (RCP-Chip) for Rapid Isothermal Multiplex Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Gene Targets. The study highlights the creation and testing of the RCP-Chip as a fast, multiplexed diagnostic tool suitable for resource-limited environments.
Mohammad A. Qasaimeh, NYUAD Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering and the study’s senior author, stated, “The RCP-Chip is designed to have a practical impact. It can be adapted to detect other infectious diseases, making it a versatile instrument for global health.”
Pavithra Sukumar, NYUAD Research Assistant and co-first author, added, “This is a quick, affordable test that requires no lab and can detect multiple gene targets in under 10 minutes. Its real strength lies in its practical use, potentially speeding up outbreak response through faster isolation, treatment, and control.”
Known as the Radially Compartmentalized Paper Chip (RCP-Chip), this device was developed by the Advanced Microfluidics and Microdevices Laboratory (AMMLab). It provides a rapid, cost-effective, and portable solution for on-site infectious disease screening.
The RCP-Chip detects even tiny amounts of viral genetic material using just a droplet of fluid, indicated by a visible color change.
It functions without the need for electricity or specialized instruments, requiring only mild heat around 65°C—similar to the warmth of water.
The research is published in the journal Advanced Sensor Research under the title Single-Layer Radially Compartmentalized Paper Chip (RCP-Chip) for Rapid Isothermal Multiplex Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Gene Targets. The study highlights the creation and testing of the RCP-Chip as a fast, multiplexed diagnostic tool suitable for resource-limited environments.
Mohammad A. Qasaimeh, NYUAD Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering and the study’s senior author, stated, “The RCP-Chip is designed to have a practical impact. It can be adapted to detect other infectious diseases, making it a versatile instrument for global health.”
Pavithra Sukumar, NYUAD Research Assistant and co-first author, added, “This is a quick, affordable test that requires no lab and can detect multiple gene targets in under 10 minutes. Its real strength lies in its practical use, potentially speeding up outbreak response through faster isolation, treatment, and control.”