UAE’s Khalifa University develops 35 minutes Covid-detection test kit and ‘biodegradable’ masks.

Abu Dhabi-based Khalifa University has developed a new portable testing kit which can detect coronavirus in about 35 minutes. The team of researchers, who worked on it, applied a low cost detection technique called loop-mediated isothermal amplification (Lamp) technique to ascertain the infection. The makers claimed that the kit, which is slightly bigger than a smart phone, could be used for testing about 16 different samples. The changing of the colour detects the disease and the kit, which is under clinical validation, has proven to be as accurate as a PCR nasal swab test.

Dr Anas Alazzam, associate professor in mechanical engineering at Khalifa University and key supervisor of the kit, said, “Polymerase chain reaction or PCR testing is lengthy and requires bulky equipment. It uses a thermal cycling approach to start the RNA replication process, which needs to be converted to DNA and detect the virus.”

He added, “Lamp, on the other hand, uses a single temperature approach to get the same results. It can be conducted on a single device and the process is much faster.” 

Dr Alazzam, said that once the device was clinically validated and gained government approval, the team could begin its mass production. He said,“The device could be used at home, in offices as well as for rapid testing of frontline workers. We could even use it to screen passengers at the airport or on board a plane.” 

He added, Starting mid-October we will be doing saliva tests, and hopefully, in the very near future we'll be able to detect coronavirus using saliva samples.” 

Besides, the breakthrough testing kit, Khalifa University, in collaboration with University of Salerno, Italy, also invented a fully ‘biodegradable’, ‘biocompatible’, environment-friendly and novel anti-viral adaptive face mask. The prototype masks, called NavaMASK, has been built with nanofibers which have strong anti-microbial properties. The team of researchers have already filed for its patent.

Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, said: "The innovation of biodegradable NavaMask reflects not only Khalifa University's continuous commitment to finding solutions that directly contribute to serving the society, but also the result of the University’s funding of 14 research projects directly related to mitigating the pandemic.

This innovation reaffirms our research efforts to develop areas that focus on issues related to the community in general, especially those that help find a solution to COVID-19. Research initiatives at Khalifa University are directed by prominent faculty experts, with the help of state-of-the-art labs and advanced on-campus facilities."

Prof. Vincenzo Loia, Rector, University of Salerno, Italy, said: "The University of Salerno has a consolidated experience in interdisciplinary research at an international level. The quality of our international research and its ability to serve the real needs of the society, yearly reconfirm the accreditation of the University of Salerno in prestigious academic rankings.

NavaMask is an additional effective example of a research idea that was born in a laboratory capable to support accurately and promptly the big challenge associate to the complex period we are experiencing, combining innovation and environmental sustainability."

The university’s developments reflect UAE’s efforts to encourage research and innovative thinking. 

Source: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/10/myanmar-villages-burned-civilians-injured-rakhine-state-conflict/