Automatic virus and bacteria monitoring systems

Purpose and goal:

The aim of the project was to develop a prototype (TRL 6) for field use with automatic monitoring of bacteria and viruses. The machine must be able to perform automatic PCR tests and be controlled from the Internet via a dashboard with data storage. The system has the potential to warn and measure future virus and bacterial levels before an outbreak reaches a country´s borders.

The outcome during the project period was affected by delivery problems, which led to the prototype reaching TRL 3-4 with temporary components. The project continues with the objective of reaching TRL 6 before 2023. Expected results and effects:

The result of the project was that various components have been acquired and assembled. However, the intended components were replaced by others due to delivery problems. The intended technologies in the form of test kits, which the machine must handle, were also delivered too late to be tested properly within the project time.

In addition to the extensive work with the design of the machine, the outcome was to build up the laboratory environment required for the verification of the technology. So-called SOP has been prepared for both the q-PCR and the machine. The work continues. Approach and implementation:

From blue print to prototype - The machine is based on a completely different concept for purification compared to commercial q-PCR devices to be able to robotize. This means that e.g. purification steps and detection devices are built from scratch. The work needs to continue with at least 300 man-hours compared to the 525 hours that have been spent so far during which temporary components are replaced with the planned ones.

The work with documentation needs to be expanded only marginally. The communication work will continue when more results are available to report.