Michele completed his doctorate at ETH Zurich and he is now a Pioneer Fellow. Together with Dr. Bechtold and Prof. Stark, they co-founded the ETH spin-off Diaxxo, which develops DNA analysis systems that enable a precise, reliable, rapid and cost-effective diagnosis. Their point-of-care PCR tests deliver results within 30 minutes and allow doctors to detect and treat diseases accordingly quickly. Since the tests do not require a complex infrastructure and only cost around five francs, they are particularly suitable for resource-limited settings.

PCR is a biomolecular technique to amplify and detect DNA that is used in a wide range of fields, such as diagnostics, biology and forensic sciences. Many PCR devices are available on the market, but their use is limited to major research institutes and laboratories due to the high price barrier (initial investment and operation costs) as well as the instruments’ size and low speed (one reaction can take more than 2 hours).

With the aim of making DNA analysis more accessible, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current urgent need for easy-to-use rapid diagnostics tests, the team developed a new PCR instrument for real-time PCR analysis at low cost. The instrument is built with inexpensive and easily available components and is driven by an innovative and proprietary technology designed to reduce reaction time and effort. Now, the team focuses on fine-tuning the instrument design, as well as performing validation experiments and testing a workflow protocol that would enable at-home use.

Ultimately, the team aims to be able to deploy a new PCR instrument that is fast, portable, economical and resource-efficient. This device may enable rapid point-of-care testing for COVID-19, influenza and other diseases, that will be applicable for use in both resource-abundant and resource-limited settings.