COUNTED
COUNTED, Coronavirus Transmission: Count and Detect
We propose to develop and validate a novel platform for identifying the potential of individuals to transmit the SARS-CoV-2 virus via the most common aerosol route. Specifically, the platform will collect samples of the exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and analyze those samples for the presence of the virus using methods that are sufficiently simple and inexpensive for daily use in widely distributed contexts, e.g., point-of-care (PoC) and field/work sites, ultimately targeting approval for home use. The initial screening will rely on an innovative adaptation of a nanopore-based technique for sizing and counting nanoparticles to the detection of potential SARS-CoV-2 viral particles based on their monodisperse nature in a known size range of ca. 130 nm. The sensitivity of this method will enable detection of as few as 1000 viral particles per EBC sample, conversely, a count in the viral size range statistically equivalent to background noise will indicate an insignificant risk of aerosol transmission from the tested individual. A positive nanopore-based screening result will be followed up by a rapid RNA amplification and detection test, to verify whether the detected virus is SARS-CoV-2 or not. Prototypes of the platform will be produced and validated, targeting the estimated costs in mass production at ca. 100 EUR for the reader-terminal hardware and 1–5 EUR range for disposable components of the EBC collector, nanopore, and RNA analysis modules.
Total Eligible Budget
492,688.55 €
INL Eligible Budget
210,468.75 €
Total Funding
394,150.84 €
INL Funding
168,375.00 €
Start Date
01-06-2020
End Date
31-07-2021
Type of action
SI – Projetos em Copromoção
Grant Agreement Id
POCI-01-02B7-FEDER-050226
Funding Agency
COMPETE
Programme
POCI – PROGRAMA OPERACIONAL COMPETITIVIDADE E INTERNACIONALIZAÇÃO
Funding Framework
PORTUGAL 2020
INL Role
Coordinator
Approval Date
01-06-2020
Intervention Region