Innovative Electrochemical ATK Test Kit for Affordable and Accurate COVID-19 Diagnosis

2023-10-04 09:21:17

New electrochemical ATK test kit

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 until now, the Antigen Test Kit (ATK) has become a common and important device used by the general public for screening COVID-19. Basics by yourself Even though the spread of COVID-19 is currently decreasing with the number of daily infected people decreasing. But we still need to watch out for this disease, so the ATK test kit is still necessary. However, the ATK test kit that is available in the market is an imported product, so the price is high compared to the public and those in high-risk groups. Test kits must be used to screen for disease periodically.

Therefore, the research team from the Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, consists of Dr. Sudkhet Chaiyo, Dr. Chakraphan Khumsap and Dr. Abdulhadi. Yako therefore came up with the idea to develop “ATK together with label-free electrochemistry for COVID-19 diagnosis” in order to Answering the price and efficiency of the ATK test kit as well as expanding the test kit that can deal with epidemics that may occur in the future.

“This is the first innovation that uses a COVID-19 test kit to work with electrochemistry to increase the accuracy and sensitivity of the test. ATK produced in Thailand Production costs are therefore low. make it cheaper Almost half of the ATKs that are commonly available are available,” Dr. Sudkhet said regarding the uniqueness of such innovation. Received the award for good invention in the field of chemical science and pharmaceuticals from the National Research Council of Thailand in the year 2023

The ATK test kit combined with label-free electrochemistry is an innovation that resulted from a collaboration between the Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. Chula and the Center for Development of Diagnostic Tests according to International Standards (QDD Center), Chula and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).

ATK combined with label-free electrochemistry works differently than commercially available ATK test kits. What is the ATK test kit with a label (Strip test)? Dr. Sudkhet explained that the test kits on the market It relies on labeling gold nanoparticles on biomolecules in the test kit so that a red band can be seen on the test kit. ATK and requires more than two types of substances to measure, resulting in high production costs. As for the new ATK test kit that the research team developed, Relying on the principle of binding between antibodies and antigens. To have better sensitivity in detecting COVID-19 even if there is a small amount of the virus.

“The ATK test kit combines with label-free electrochemistry to immobilize COVID-19-specific antibodies. Place it near the test line (Test Line) when dropping the sample secretion into the Test Line if it is COVID-19. The germs will be caught at the Test Line with electrodes below. In addition, the measurement of the electrochemical signal will be inversely proportional to the concentration of the COVID-19 virus in the case of a positive patient. The electrical current will decrease, but in cases where the patient has a negative infection, the electrical current will not change. Therefore, the decrease in electrical current can be used in diagnosing COVID-19 disease,” said Dr. Sudkhet.

The equipment in the new ATK test kit is different from Only a little bit of ATK that we’re familiar with. That is, the test kit The standard ATK consists of ATK test strips, solution, swabs. For the new ATK test kit, a special addition is the electrodes that are inserted under the ATK and the ATK pouch that has a QR code for scanning to connect to a smartphone.

Dr. Sudket Chaiyo, researcher at the Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Chulalongkorn University

“We can look at the interpretation of COVID-19 test results. You can get it from the numbers that appear on your smartphone. This is easier and more accurate than looking at color swatches with the naked eye, which is important. Even though we have COVID-19 just a little The results will appear,” said Dr. Sudkhet.

ATK, Thai nationality, excellent performance at a lower price from test kit testing. ATK combined with label-free electrochemistry with at-risk groups from Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, found that the test kit The new ATK has a diagnostic sensitivity of 91.66% and a diagnostic specificity of 100%. Dr. Sudket confirmed that this test kit is effective in accurately diagnosing disease similar to standard methods for examining cattle. Covid-19 by RT-PCR

This newly developed ATK test kit In addition to having higher efficiency They are also more affordable than traditional test kits because there is no gold particle labeling in the kits, reducing production costs. And it is expected that the price per unit will be only 15 baht per set, which is an advantage that helps reduce the import of COVID test kits. From abroad, in addition, a new test kit Therefore, it is suitable for use in agencies and communities, including remote hospitals that do not have adequate medical equipment to diagnose COVID-19. in many people, it is accurate, fast, accurate and does not cost a lot.

Dr. Sudkhet also said that The next goal of the research team is to develop the ATK test kit for diagnosing other diseases. Currently, the research team is developing a device to read the signals in the test kit to make it easier to read. So that the general public can screen themselves at home. In addition, the research team also has a project to develop sensors for measuring sexually transmitted diseases. So that people can screen themselves for the disease before going to the hospital for testing.

Electrochemical ATK components

“ATK test kit combined with electrochemistry It is considered a pilot device that will help us prepare for emerging diseases that will occur in the future in order to prevent and control the spread of disease in a timely manner,” Dr. Sudket said.

Agencies interested in developing this innovation can contact Dr. Sudket Chaiyo, Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. Chula Tel. [phone] Email [email protected]

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