Innovative Paper-Based Diagnostic Device Offers Rapid and Affordable Infectious Disease Detection

A team of researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi has unveiled a groundbreaking paper-based diagnostic device capable of identifying COVID-19 and other infectious diseases in less than 10 minutes. The device, named the Radially Compartmentalized Paper Chip (RCP-Chip), eliminates the need for complex laboratory setups or trained personnel, making it a promising tool for on-site disease screening, especially in resource-limited settings. Developed by the Advanced Microfluidics and Microdevices Laboratory (AMMLab), the RCP-Chip is designed for speed, affordability, and portability.

The device was conceived during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to detect even tiny traces of viral genetic material using a simple droplet of fluid and a visual color change to indicate the presence of pathogen. It operates without electrical power or sophisticated equipment, relying solely on a mild heat source around 65°C, comparable to warm water. Its compact build, made from a single sheet of paper, integrates miniature components such as sample ports, vents, fluidic resistors, and reaction chambers pre-loaded with primers, enzymes, and gold nanoparticles for detection.

Published in the journal -Advanced Sensor Research, the research paper outlines the development and validation of the RCP-Chip as a multiplexed diagnostic platform. It can detect multiple gene targets simultaneously, increasing testing efficiency while reducing sample volume and cost. The device’s flexible design allows it to be tailored for various pathogens across different sample types, including saliva, blood, and environmental samples.

According to senior author Mohammad A. Qasaimeh, associate professor of mechanical and bioengineering at NYU Abu Dhabi, the goal was to create an affordable, rapid testing solution that could have a real impact in underserved areas. Co-author Pavithra Sukumar highlighted the device’s potential to revolutionize outbreak response by enabling faster detection, isolation, and treatment.

Future developments aim to enhance the chip’s plasmonic detection features and expand its application scope, including smartphone integration for real-time data sharing and outbreak monitoring, significantly contributing to public health efforts.