A breakthrough in infectious disease testing is set to revolutionize the way healthcare is approached in low-resource and remote settings. A team of scientists at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has unveiled a paper-based diagnostic tool, the Radially Compartmentalised Paper Chip (RCP-Chip), capable of detecting diseases in under 10 minutes. This innovation is a game-changer for fast, affordable, and portable disease screening without the need for complex lab equipment or trained personnel.

Addressing the Global Need for Rapid Testing

The RCP-Chip was conceived during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world was grappling with a shortage of efficient testing methods, particularly in areas with limited resources. “Our goal was to create something fast, affordable, and easy to use, especially in areas where lab access is limited,” said Mohammad A. Qasaimeh, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering at NYUAD. Qasaimeh is the senior author of the study that led to the development of the RCP-Chip.The new tool offers a simple and rapid solution for detecting infectious diseases. “It uses a minimal number of reagents and requires only a small sample to run,” Qasaimeh added, emphasizing the affordability and efficiency of the device. This paper-based diagnostic chip can be deployed easily in diverse settings, from remote villages to urban areas, and can significantly improve healthcare access.

A Versatile Diagnostic Tool

While the RCP-Chip was originally designed to detect COVID-19, its capabilities extend far beyond the novel coronavirus. According to Qasaimeh, the device is easily reconfigurable to diagnose other diseases such as chickenpox, dengue, malaria, and more. “With minor modifications, it can be adapted to diagnose a wide range of diseases or even test hormones and metabolites,” Qasaimeh explained. This flexibility positions the RCP-Chip as a multi-purpose diagnostic tool that could be used in various medical fields, from general infectious disease testing to monitoring chronic health conditions.“What makes it truly impactful is its real-world potential,” said Pavithra Sukumar, a Research Assistant at NYUAD and the co-first author of the study. Sukumar highlighted the tool’s capacity to significantly improve outbreak responses, enabling faster isolation, treatment, and control. In situations where time is of the essence, such as in epidemic or pandemic scenarios, the rapid testing offered by the RCP-Chip can help curb the spread of diseases before they become uncontrollable.

Simple, Cost-Effective, and Portable

One of the standout features of the RCP-Chip is its portability. Unlike traditional diagnostic devices that require sophisticated lab setups, the chip can be operated with minimal resources. “It requires a heating stage at around 60 degrees Celsius, which can be easily achieved with common household devices like a hot plate or an oven,” Qasaimeh explained. The simplicity of the design allows for easy transport and deployment, ensuring that healthcare workers in areas with limited infrastructure can use it effectively.Moreover, the RCP-Chip uses saliva samples instead of traditional swabs, making it even more convenient and comfortable for patients. “In a short amount of time, you can deploy it for use in almost any area,” Qasaimeh said. This feature was a key motivation behind the development of the tool, aiming to reduce the time and cost typically associated with traditional diagnostic methods.

From Concept to Commercialization

The development of the RCP-Chip was not without its challenges. Due to pandemic-related lab access restrictions, the team faced delays during the initial stages of research. “In the initial phase, we focused on designing the chip and brainstorming the approaches,” said Qasaimeh. It wasn’t until restrictions were eased that the team was able to conduct in-depth testing of the device. “After initial curfews, gradually we were allowed access to labs, and that’s when we deepened the research and began testing the device,” he explained.Despite these challenges, the team successfully filed a patent for the device and launched a startup to commercialize it. Biotech companies have already expressed interest in the innovation. “We aim to find investors so that we can continue with the development stage of the device,” Qasaimeh added. The focus now is on bringing the device to market and further developing its translational potential, ensuring that it can be adapted for various purposes in the healthcare sector.With the growing demand for affordable and effective diagnostic tools, the RCP-Chip is poised to play a pivotal role in global healthcare. Its low cost, speed, and versatility make it an ideal solution for resource-limited settings, providing a much-needed alternative to current testing methods.