Team:NYU Abu Dhabi/Description

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C O L L E C T

Non-invasive Diagnostics

With quick and easy sample collection involving only saliva specimens, Volatect is a user-friendly device that aims to provide a comfortable experience for both the technician and individuals being tested.

D E T E C T

Novel Nucleic Acid Amplification and Detection

Volatect utilizes a novel, rapid and accurate DNA detection method called DETECTR. The protocol utilizes an isothermal amplification technique called Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) in addition to the CRISPR-Cas12a system. In total, this procedure merely takes 1 hour which allows the generation of results in a short amount of time compared to current practices.

Multiplex Microfluidic System

	Microfluidic technologies not only allows for the efficient usage of reagents and sample specimen, but also enable the possibility of multiplex diagnosis. With multiple microchannels that flow concurrently, a single sample can be used to test for up to four pathogens creating a labour-saving and cost-efficient system.

P R O T E C T

Integrated Database

A seamless management system is achieved with an integrated database that allows for the potential of global disease tracking, disease out-break alert processes, disease research and prevention programs. This database will gather diagnostic results from the device as well as relevant patient details, analytic tools may then be used on this data to extrapolate potential trends or disease insights.

Target Diseases

	Volatect facilitates the diagnosis process bringing the lab to the technician, requiring minimum training. With its focus on traveler’s illnesses, it targets infectious diseases that could potentially cause global outbreaks. Our device provides a solution that is ideal for airports, travel checkpoints, and clinics.

V O L A T E C T

Inspiration and Legacy

Considering the global outbreaks of Ebola, Measles, and Corona Virus that occurred over the past decade, our team searched extensively for a solution using the principles of synthetic biology to curtail the spread of these illnesses using a rapid user-friendly diagnosis tool. Volatect offers the first step into tackling global outbreaks with low cost and accurate techniques.

Looking Forward

Due to the limitation of the amplification technique allowing only amplification of DNA sequences, efforts could be made to incorporate the use of reverse transcriptase so that identifiable RNA sequences can be detected and amplified, widening the detection potential to RNA viruses such as the Measles virus.