E4D Fellow: Gemma Pham

Project description

Malaria is a preventable and treatable mosquito-borne infection, yet still responsible for more than 500’000 deaths annually. As the fight against malaria is moving towards elimination and eradication, the ability to detect asymptomatic individuals is much desired. Current malaria rapid tests based on immunochromatography suffer from limited sensitivity, variable performance, and inability to discriminate species. Recent advancements in microsystem-based diagnostics have demonstrated potentials in meeting the ASSURED criteria defined by the World Health Organisation (Affordable, Sensitive and Specific, User-friendly, Rapid and robust, Equipment free and Delivered). However, there is no such a device available for early malaria detection.

We are developing an on-chip detection strategy by combining microfluidic-based immunoassays with smartphones technology to overcome limitations of conventional immunochromatographic tests. After injecting a blood sample into the microfluidic chip, the chip will be inserted into an attachment on the phone. In presence of target biomarkers, recognition element will be transduced into optical signals. Following by image processing and data analysis, concentration of biomarker is quantified hence the parasite density is estimated. Combining microfluidics with ubiquitous mobile phones will increase availability and readiness of the diagnostic test at the point-of-care and move malaria eradication within reach.