Development of portable and cost-effective biosensors for clinical diagnosis of bacterial and viral infections

• Grant number: 22/03250-7
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Initial Project Research Grant
• Duration: February 01, 2023 - January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: William Reis de Araujo
• Grantee: William Reis de Araujo
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/03483-4 - Fabrication of miniaturized and microfluidic wearable biosensors using 3D bioprinting technology, BP.DR

Abstract

The present research project aims at the development of portable and low-cost electrochemical and colorimetric biosensors for the detection of pathogenic microorganisms for rapid and high-frequency clinical diagnostics. The current health crisis imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated our society's tremendous health and economic equity gap, as well as the huge need for diagnostic tools for epidemiological control. The current need for diagnostic methods for the rapid screening of SARS-CoV-2 for the implementation of sanitary measures, such as the isolation of infected individuals, applies to several other infections/diseases, such as respiratory diseases in general. Most of the technologies available for clinical diagnoses are lab-based methods that do not provide rapid and cost-effective analysis for wide use, especially in more distant communities or with limited resources. Thus, in this project, we will develop new electrochemical and colorimetric technologies associated with cell phones for the detection of different types of bacteria and viruses relevant for clinical purposes. The arrays of electrochemical sensors will be manufactured using screen-printing and laser engraving techniques, as they enable large-scale production with adequate reproducibility. New biological receptors and/or functionalization strategies will be used that aim to provide high sensitivity with adequate selectivity, but mainly with excellent stability and reproducibility so that these technologies can become practical, accurate, and commercially available diagnostic tools from these studies. From a colorimetric point of view, we will develop strategies using accessible substrates such as paper and cotton swabs to carry out integrated sampling and testing using smartphones and digital images applications for robust and rapid diagnostics. To this end, the surface of these materials will be biofunctionalized to allow use directly at the point of care/need.With this project, we intend to develop methodologies for rapid diagnosis of viral infections such as COVID-19, influenza A and B, dengue and herpes, and bacterial infections by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella spp, Acinetobacter spp., etc. We also intend to develop biosensors with wearable characteristics on dressing platforms and commercial gloves, as well as integrate diagnostics into a single platform to perform the screening of several species of interest, such as respiratory diseases, in a small amount of clinical sample. (AU)