Low-cost microfluidic platform for molecular diagnostics in blood bags

• Grant number: 17/06939-8
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Duration: February 01, 2018 - January 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Convênio/Acordo: FINEP - PIPE/PAPPE Grant
• Principal Investigator: Juliana Vieira Alberice
• Grantee: Juliana Vieira Alberice
• Host Company: Solve Biotechnology Ltda. - ME
• CNAE: Fabricação de instrumentos e materiais para uso médico e odontológico e de artigos ópticos
• City: São Carlos
• Associated research grant: 15/22653-1 - Low cost microfluidic plataform for microorganisms molecular diagnostic in bag blood, AP.PIPE
• Associated scholarship(s): 17/27013-6 - Development of a methodology for colorimetric diagnosis of microorganisms in blood, BP.TT; 17/26993-7 - Low cost microfluidic platform for molecular diagnosis in blood bags, BP.PIPE

Abstract

Many health complications rely on blood transfusion as an important supportive care of patients. Microbial contamination, for example, can result in prolong hospitalization and even lead some patients to death. According to WHO, Brazil needs daily 5,500 bags of blood, and to supply this demand, not only a larger number of donors are needed, but also, it is of extreme importance to ensure the quality of these collected bags. Currently, the quality control relies on costly, time-consuming and laborious techniques, making it difficult to release the bags for use, compromising the availability of blood products in stock. In this project we purpose the development of a rapid, simple and low cost tool for molecular diagnostics, to replace conventional methods of detecting microbial contamination in blood bags. Optimizing the DNA extraction method and the isothermal amplification technique for whole blood and/or its components, they will be integrated and accomplished into a polyester microfluidic device. The response will be obtained by colorimetric assay and the sensitive and specific device will be produced using low cost materials, enabling the quality control of all blood bags accessible to any collection center. (AU)