COUNTED

INL Cluster

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

North of Portugal