Rapid Virus Diagnosis : Lab-Quality Results in 3 Minutes

Engineers from the University of Bath created the ‘world’s fastest Covid test,’ which provides lab-quality findings in only three minutes with LoCKAmp.

The prototype LoCKAmp device employs cutting-edge ‘lab on a chip’ technology and has been shown to detect COVID-19 from nasal swabs in a timely and cost-effective manner. According to the research team at the University of Bath, the technique may simply be extended to identify other pathogens such as germs – or even diseases such as cancer.

The device works by rapidly releasing and multiplying genetic material from a nose swab sample through a chemical reaction, resulting in a result that can be displayed on a smartphone app.

Unlike lateral flow assay tests, which were prevalent during the pandemic, the LoCKAmp applies the same ‘gold standard’ genetic-based testing methodologies traditionally reserved for lab-based PCR (polymerase chain reaction) assays, allowing for the first time quick testing at laboratory-scale standards.

The LoCKAmp’s quickness, in addition to its accuracy, distinguishes it. With results displayed in three minutes, the study team claims that LoCKAmp is the fastest COVID-19 test published to date.

The prototype device, built with off-the-shelf components and factory-manufactured printed circuit boards, could be mass-produced rapidly and cheaply, providing care providers and public health agencies around the world with an effective new tool for virus identification. According to the research team, a commercial partner

The research team is already collaborating with academic and commercial partners and would welcome additional methods as it works to bring LoCKAmp to market.

The device and how it works are detailed in the research paper LoCKAmp: lab-on-PCB technology for <3 minute virus genetic detection, published in the journal Lab on a Chip.

Dr Despina Moschou, from Bath’s Centre for Bioengineering & Biomedical Technologies (CBio), led the research. She says: “We started researching and developing LoCKAmp during the second wave of Covid in the UK. We were confident we could create a portable, low-cost device that could carry out genetic identification of the virus, like a PCR test, within 10 minutes. We have done that but found it can actually work within just three minutes.

“This is an amazing display of the possibilities of lab-on-a-chip technology, and given the low cost and adaptability of the technology to detect a range of conditions, a potentially highly valuable and unique tool for a range of healthcare settings.”

The gadget may be built quickly and cheaply at scale, according to scientists, by utilizing readily available printed circuit board technology and the associated mass manufacturing infrastructure. LoCKAmp consists of a portable testing unit with disposable cartridges for each test.

When mass production begins, the testing device might cost as low as £50, while test cartridges, which are currently sold for £2.50, could cost as little as 50 cents.

How LoCKAmp Works

LoCKAmp uses a technique known as RT-LAMP (reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification) to multiply specific RNA sequences, allowing it to swiftly detect the virus in question. According to the researchers, LAMP detection is superior to PCR testing because it is more sensitive, faster, and more specific.

Crucially, instead of the three thermal cycles required by a PCR test, processing takes place at a single steady temperature of 65°. This means that the device can be made smaller and more portable, with lower power usage. Another advantage of the design is that the nasal swab samples do not need to be pre-processed.

After inserting a nasal swab sample, the LoCKAmp pumps the liquid through tiny transparent microfluidic’ channels laid onto the circuit board, above copper heaters only 0.017mm thick. These heat the sample, releasing the virus’s RNA genetic material. This is then heated and treated with RT-LAMP chemicals to promote cell growth.

If the specific virus RNA is present in the amplified sample, it fluoresces under light, indicating a positive test.

LoCKAmp was created by a team led by the University of Bath, which included staff from its departments of Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and Life Sciences, as well as colleagues from the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering and the John Innes Centre.

During the third wave of the pandemic, the device was tested with COVID-19 patient swabs gathered by Bath’s Royal United Hospital Trusts, with which the University has a longtime research connection.

Despite the conclusion of the epidemic, notably in the public consciousness and legislative agenda, development persisted due to the device’s versatility and potential.

Scope to track outbreaks via wastewater

In addition to demonstrating the system’s ability to analyze nose swab samples, the LoCKAmp might be used to do anonymous community-level monitoring and detection of viruses such as Covid by testing wastewater.

This alternate use, which does necessitate some pre-processing of wastewater samples, was developed as a result of the team’s access to expertise in wastewater-based epidemiology at Bath’s Water Innovation Research Centre.

Using LoCKAmp to analyze wastewater in real time could help public health officials detect the spread of viruses like Covid and other infectious diseases. Rather than depending on individuals to test for a condition on a regular basis, doing so through wastewater can provide a broader community-wide view.

Professor Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern of the University of Bath’s Department of Chemistry is an environmental epidemiology expert who participated to the study.

With LoCKAmp technology providing both low cost and real time genetic target identification and quantification, we’re getting ever closer to real time pathogen tracking. This opens exciting opportunities enabling the establishment of early warning systems utilising wastewater for pathogen surveillance in communities.”

Professor Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern, Department of Chemistry, University of Bath

The Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) QR – UK Research & Innovation and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Impact Acceleration Account supported the study. The work was funded by the BBSRC (Grant BB/V009087/1), the Institute Strategic Programme Grant “Molecules from Nature-;Enhanced Research Capacity” (BBS/E/J/000PR9794), and the John Innes Foundation at the John Innes Centre. The authors from the University of Bath’s Department of Biology and Biochemistry gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Academy of Medical Sciences (SBF0061023).

For more information: LoCKAmp: lab-on-PCB technology for <3 minute virus genetic detection. Lab on a Chip. doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00441D.