Detecting COVID-19 via smartphone: Optofluidic cytometry and viral detection using LIF-LIDAR and Cherenkov Luminescence Imaging.

A variety of analytical techniques are used to test for viruses, including immunoassays, biochemical assays and PCR-based approaches. For distant locations, even if these technologies are more sensitive, the absence of adequate resources typically makes them impractical. I've developed a dynamic multi-channel module that detects SARS-CoV-2. The detection involved the use of QUASR., which also enables multiplexing targets in a single reaction. The device consists of three main components: heating module, assay reaction housing module, and an optical detection module, which houses a Cherenkov Detector and LIF-LIDAR component. Using the CoV-specific primers and without any sample preparation, the virus detection rate at 103 PFU/mL was found to be 100% specific. The smartphone-anchored system can be used for qualitative detection, thereby also making it easier for non-experts to use. The outputs are easily analysed using smartphone application which also enables sharing the results with experts in a different location promoting cross-validation. The module is also capable of flow cytometry and showed a dramatically higher specificity and sensitivity when compared to commercial hemocytometer.