A Cypriot discovered a quick test at the University of Oxford

"The whole process from scanning to image analysis takes less than two minutes. Our approach takes advantage of the fact that distinct types of viruses have differences in their fluorescent labeling due to differences in their surface chemistry, size and shape. "

viber image 2020 11 19 17 24 39 Coronavirus, FAST TEST

A new rapid diagnostic test for the coronavirus, with the result that it returns in a few minutes, develops a research team of the University of Oxford in which the Greek element is dominant.

The team is led by Achilleas Kapanidis, a Greek professor of Biophysics at the Physics Department of the English University. Cypriot doctoral researcher Nikolas Siaelis is a member of the team and the inspirer of the idea for the test, who explained to KYPE the technology behind the test.

"Unlike other technologies that detect a delayed antibody reaction or require accurate and time-consuming laboratory sample processing, our method instantly detects intact virus particles, which means the analysis is simple, extremely fast and economical," he said. Σιαέλης.

He added that the new method uses a sample from the pharynx without the need to extract genetic material from the sample, to purify and enlarge it [as in the current molecular method (RT-PCR)]. What the test does is quickly detect coronavirus particles in the pharyngeal sample by "staining" them with a small amount of fluorescent DNA. The detected particles are then placed on a surface and microscopically collected images - "photographs" of the sample which are identified by an artificial intelligence program to confirm that they are coronavirus particles and not another virus.

"The whole process from scanning to image analysis takes less than two minutes. "Our approach takes advantage of the fact that distinct types of viruses have differences in their fluorescent labeling due to differences in their surface chemistry, size and shape," the Cypriot researcher added.

The development of the test is the object of the thesis of Mr. Siaelis, who had the idea but also invented the algorithm of both the preprocessing of the image of the particle and the artificial intelligence. He is, after all, the main author of the pre-publication regarding the research that has been published on a scientific website.

Mr. Siaelis, from Lampa, Paphos, holds a degree in Physics from Oxford and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. He specializes in monomolecular microscopy, machine learning, neutron scattering and viral envelopes.

The research team expects to have the first tests available for use in three to six months. "A lot will depend on the investment and support we can provide, as well as the time it takes to get the right regulatory approvals. "But we are moving forward as much as possible," said Mr. Siaelis.

Following the first announcements from Oxford University, the team had approaches from companies and individuals who can contribute to the rapid development of the test, including public health officials.

"We need to secure the right partners and funders to be able to develop the test. We intend to produce a portable imaging device (with which the test will be performed) that could be used by travelers to eliminate isolation periods, by the NHS to allow access to hospitals and the catering, entertainment sectors, of events and sports to allow access to event venues and facilities, so that we can all start having fun again ", explained Mr. Siaelis, referring to the practical usefulness of such a fast diagnostic test. There is already interest from a large British airport.

The young Cypriot researcher described as "extremely encouraging" the news of the last period about fast tests and vaccines against SARS-COV-2. He noted that the management of the pandemic is "inherently" a political issue and a decision. "It is not a question of whether we can bring the virus under control, but of balancing the effects on the health of the population with the economy," he said.

"It's easy to say how we should handle things, looking back, what is much more difficult is to make decisions under pressure. I think everyone would agree that having more information in time about the spread of the virus in the population and the detection of people infected with the disease is of the utmost importance. Quick and frequent tests can help control the virus more effectively without the devastating effects of lockdowns on mental health and the economy. Although pandemics are not uncommon, it is clear that the whole world was not well prepared. "I hope that individual countries and Europe as a whole will invest in the necessary diagnostic infrastructure and will ensure that with the necessary laws and policies a future pandemic will have minimal impact on the economy", concluded Mr. Siaelis.

Source: KYPE