Portable COVID-19 diagnostic system using saliva sample

This project aims to develop an easy-to-use and cost-effective saliva test, fitted for COVID-19 diagnosis and
surveillance via multiplexed detection of SARS-CoV-2 viruses, COVID-19 specific antibodies immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G within 15 minutes. The supported intern will join a team, consists of researchers at the University of Waterloo and personnel from the partner organization, to leverage an existing point-of-care testing (POCT) platform, develop a standard test protocol, and evaluate test performance.
The proposed saliva test is designed to address the urgent need for fast, accurate, large-scale COVID-19 testing possible for a wide range of businesses and infrastructures. Potential locations include senior homes, factories, academic institutes. The multiplexed detection of virus and antibodies is highly desirable to improve the overall test sensitivity and specificity, as well as provide valuable information for predicting patient trajectories or determining infection history. The partner organization will benefit from the knowledge generated and expertise the intern brings to the project. The partner organization intends to commercialize the resultant product and will be consequently benefit from the project.

Faculty Supervisor:

Xiaowu Shirley Tang

Student:

Yun Wu

Partner:

LeNano Diagnostics

Discipline:

Chemistry

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Waterloo