peakPCR: Making DNA Analyses Faster and More Accessible

peakPCR: Making DNA Analyses Faster and More Accessible

08.11.2020 by BRCCH

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.

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Covid Variants

diaxxoPod (RUO)

Description

Our in-vitro diagnostic test cartridge based on rapid Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification technology. This cartridge can reliably detect and distinguish the mutants from UK (20I/501Y.V1, B.1.1.7 – VOC-202012/01) as well as the South African mutation (B.1.351 lineage).

The test cartridge is aimed to improve the public health situation by rapidly enabling the detection of variants of concern. The cartridge is designed for qualitative detection of variants of interest of the SARS-CoV-2 Viral RNA in saliva samples and it works in conjuction with diaxxoPCR.

Specs

  • Fully preloaded and only require addition of purified sample
  • Results in approx. 30 minutes

Workflow

The test cartridges are sold with all the necessary reagents pre-loaded in the reaction wells. The use of the test cartridges is therefore extremely simple:

  • Apply the sample (viral RNA)
  • Apply water in the control wells and the cover fluid
  • Insert the cartrdige in diaxxoPCR, press a button, drink a coffee and check your results.

Notes & Instructions

  • The cartridges are supplied in a vacuum-sealed bag in order to ensure a long shelf life at room temperature.
  • Detailed instructions about how to use the cartridges and the devices are provided

SARS-CoV-2

diaxxoPod

Description

This SARS-CoV-2 cartridge is based on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) RT-PCR test for 2019-nCoV. The assay detects 2 parts of the N gene specific for Sars-CoV-2. In addition, an extraction control for Human RNAse P is also included. The cartridge is designed to work in combination with saliva samples and in conjuction with our diaxxoPCR.

Specs

  • Functionally validated and confirmed template-free to cycle 45 by NTC testing
  •  Fully preloaded and only require addition of purified DNA/RNA
  • Results within 30 minutes

Workflow

The test cartridges are sold with all the necessary reagents pre-loaded in the reaction wells. The use of the test cartridges is therefore extremely simple:

  • Apply the sample (viral RNA)
  • Apply water in the control wells and the cover fluid
  • Insert the cartrdige in diaxxoPCR, press a button, drink a coffee and check your results.

Notes & Instructions

  • The cartridges are supplied in a vacuum-sealed bag in order to ensure a long shelf life at room temperature.
  • Detailed instructions about how to use the cartridges and the devices are provided

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