Paper Machines for Affordable Nucleic Acid Sample Preparation (PM-PREP) and Amplification (PM-NAAT)

The present study proposes to develop a low-cost paper based microfluidic device (paper machines) for conducting NAATs (Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests). A novel paper-based integrated device will be developed for conducting DNA extraction and paper based lateral flow assays for detection of nucleic acids. Two portable battery-operated units will be developed: the first unit (PM-PREP) will be designed for DNA extraction from crude samples (sputum, blood, urine etc.) and the second unit (PM-NAAT) for amplification and detection of nucleic acids. The team is expected to develop two portable battery-operated units that can be operated by minimally trained users for conducting NAATs in low-resource settings for detection of Tuberculosis from sputum by the end of 18 months grant period.