Nanotechnology Device Rapidly Detects Malaria

A pioneering mobile device using cutting-edge nanotechnology to rapidly detect malaria infection and drug resistance could revolutionize how the disease is diagnosed and treated.

The device, which is about the size and shape of a mobile phone, will use a range of latest proven nanotechnologies to rapidly analyze the parasite DNA from a blood sample and will then provide a malaria diagnosis and comprehensive screening for drug susceptibility in less than 20 minutes.

A consortium is being led by St George's, University (London, UK), which is working with UK handheld diagnostics and DNA sequencing specialist QuantuMDx Group (Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK). The consortium was set up in response to increasing signs that the malaria parasite is mutating to resist the most powerful class of antimalaria drugs, artemisinins and the European Commission has awarded EUR 4 million to the project.

The handheld device will take a finger prick of blood, extract the malarial DNA, then detect, and sequence the specific mutations linked to drug resistance, using a nanowire biosensor. The chip electrically detects the DNA sequences and converts them directly into binary code, the universal language of computers. The binary code can then be readily analyzed and even shared, via wireless or mobile networks, with scientists for real-time monitoring of disease patterns.

The device should provide the same quality of result as a referral laboratory, at a fraction of the time and cost. Each device could cost about the price of a smart phone initially, but may be issued for free in developing countries. A single-test cartridge will be around EUR 13 initially, but the aim is to reduce this cost to ensure affordability in resource-limited settings. In addition to improving immediate patient outcomes, the project will allow the scientists to build a better picture of levels of drug resistance in stricken areas.

Elaine Warburton, the CEO at QuantuMDx, said, "Placing a full malaria screen with drug resistance status in the palm of a health professional's hand will allow instant prescribing of the most effective antimalaria medication for that patient. The Nanomal, as the rapid, low-cost test is called, will further support the global health challenge to eradicate malaria." Clinical trials of the device are expected to begin within three years, after which it will be brought to market. The technology could be adapted afterwards for use with other infectious diseases. Other institutes in the consortium are the University of Tubingen (Germany) and the Karolinska Institute (Stockholm, Sweden).

Related Links:
St George's, University
QuantuMDx Group
University of Tubingen