Research Chair 2023
This research is developing new low-cost medical diagnostics by combining DNA detection technologies with paper lateral flow devices. It is expected to result in new technologies for highly sensitive, self-performed DNA testing on disposable devices.
Professor Cooper says: “Currently, the implementation of DNA testing in infectious disease diagnosis methods (such as the ‘PCR’ test) requires expensive equipment, with the sample often being tested by trained staff. We are also aware of the convenience of lateral flow testing, with a diagnosis being performed at home, but often with some doubt over the interpretation of the result.” This project aims to combine the accuracy and sensitivity of DNA and RNA testing, with the convenience of lateral flow technologies. This will mean that the highly sensitive tests can be widely used at home or in community settings. The technology will not only improve our resilience to new outbreaks of infectious diseases in the UK, but importantly will have impacts in the Global South where endemic infectious diseases, such as malaria, HIV, hepatitis, schistosomiasis and TB, remain important healthcare problems.
Personal website: http://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/engineering/staff/jonathancooper/
Twitter: @joncoopervp
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