peakPCR: Making DNA Analyses Faster and More Accessible
This project, carried out by an international team of biologists, biotechnologists and chemical and mechanical engineers, led to the development of a radically new rapid, portable polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing platform called ‘peakPCR.’ This device can detect several different viral and bacterial infections in a short time with high reliability. The relatively low cost of the device makes it a comparatively feasible option for use in low-resource settings.
Standard Polymerase Chain Reaction Tests for COVID-19
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a laboratory technique that rapidly produces millions of copies of a specific segment of DNA. It can be used to detect the presence of pathogens such as viruses or bacteria in the body with a high degree of specificity. PCR tests are an important tool in the diagnosis of diseases including COVID-19 as they are more reliable and accurate than rapid antigen tests.
Unfortunately, the devices used to carry out PCR testing are typically large, heavy and expensive. Testing is also time-consuming and costly to implement due to the reagents required. These requirements mean that PCR testing is typically restricted to highly resourced, large medical centres and that there are significant barriers using PCR for diagnostic purposes in low-resource settings.
The Development and Testing of peakPCR
The multidisciplinary team of biologists, biotechnologists and engineers involved in this consortium developed a new, portable PCR testing platform called ‘peakPCR’ capable of rapidly detecting several different viral and bacterial infections, with high reliability and at an accessible cost. The machines developed are built with inexpensive and off-the-shelf elements and use minimal amounts of reagents.
Following the initial development of the innovative PCR testing platform, all aspects of PCR process implemented were iteratively optimized, from the extraction of the DNA sample, to PCR amplification and results interpretation. These iterations have delivered improvements which, for example, have guaranteed the reproducibility of results, reduced the time required for hands-on device operation, enhanced usability and minimised the occurrence of user errors.
The testing platform has been extensively validated through more than 10,000 tests across more than 15 countries in Europe, South America and Africa. In May 2022 peakPCR received a Conformité Européenne (CE) mark, confirming that it meets European health, safety and environmental protection standards. The technology developed enables accessible, high-quality PCR tests suitable for resource-limited settings, and is now being made available to a growing number of users in high-, middle- and low-income countries.
The technology has a broad potential diagnostic capability beyond the SARS-CoV-2 virus. For example, the team have demonstrated the potential utility of their technology to the diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases, malaria and Schistosoma.
Banner image above: A researcher places a sample holder into the PCR device. Photograph: ETH Zürich/Alessandro Della Bella.
