Invisível project aims to develop a new rapid test for determination of serological signature of SARS-CoV-2 with smartphone technology.
The project was born from the area of innovation and sustainability and from the Lusíadas Knowledge Center in response as a challenge from Positive Benefits regarding the various emerging challenges relating to the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This gave rise to the opportunity to prepare an application for the Incentive System for Research and Development Activities and for Testing and Optimization Infrastructures (Upscaling) in the Context of Covid-19.
The application was framed through the promoter Hospital de Cascais, and the partners Positive Benefits and SGS in order to respond to various challenges present in the various techniques for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR. They are dependent on complex logistics for collecting and sending samples (high biological risk), access to laboratories equipped with technical capacity, expensive and time-consuming, not allowing immediate results.
This application arise from the urgent need to find innovative diagnostic solutions adjusted to the reality of this COVID-19. O invisível emerged from a solution found through international research partners from several English universities – Cambridge, Bath and Reading with proven experience and specialized in serological tests using nanotechnology to identify pathogens with the possibility of quantifying IgM, IgG and IgA antibodies.
Project Summary
PROCESS AND WORK PACKAGES (WP)
Project Invisible, which started 7/13/2020 and ended 6/30/2020, implemented a new rapid test to determine whether an optical 'serological signature' of SARS-CoV-2 with smartphone technology intends to develop a proof of concept in a NHS Hospital for a reliable technological solution that allows the rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, through blood collected by finger prick, with a digital interface for automatic reading from a smartphone, combining speed , low cost, specificity and sensitivity necessary for global use in clinical and epidemiological terms. This technology allows the quantification of IgM, IgG and IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 against a vast panel of antigens from a mobile phone camera – “Elisa” point of care.
With the objective of providing a faster, more reliable, quantitative diagnosis for the control of the pandemic in the medium and long term, allowing:
i) MONITORING the population's response to future vaccines;
ii) QUANTIFY the immunity of the population;
iii) IDENTIFY which virus mutation is active in the community.
The "Invisível" project is organized into 8 main activities - Work packages (WP) that integrate the development of technology preparation levels - Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), from its concept (TRL2) to the demonstration of technology in a clinical environment (TRL6), for an inpatient or outpatient optimization. The project will also have technology support activities regarding its exploration, communication, dissemination and management.
PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
A consortium made up of specialized partners with the promotion of multidisciplinary research and development projects with impact innovation activities within the scope of the fight against COVID19.
Cofinanced by
Positive Benefits is committed to incorporate this powerful tool in every project we work on, identifying which of the 17 goals can the project relate to and creating specific solutions to achieve them.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.