RE: Monday it is then....!26 Feb 2021 07:21
PARAYTEC
23rd FEBRUARY TWEET....
COVID-19 Optical Measurement Test
In April 2020 Paraytec began work on assessing the feasibility of developing a COVID-19 test using the technology and know-how that already existed within the company. Paraytec has partnered in this work with Professor Carl Smythe and his team at the University of Sheffield to provide the proprietary microbiology aspects that are required, with the hardware and software developed by Paraytec.
Designed to give a portable test, which can generate a result in a matter of 5 to 10 minutes from a swab provided at the test location and which requires no specialist skills for its operation. It is anticipated that this product will be used in locations where the rapid screening of large numbers of people for presence of COVID-19, or any future emerging pandemic is required.
The key attributes for the testing device that we have determined are as follows:
Simple swab or saliva sample - no clinical expertise needed
No complex sample preparation - proprietary single-use cartridge containing analytes
Simple portable reader - shoebox size
No clinical training needed - automated test can be used in any location
Rapid result - sample to result in 5 to 10 minutes, potential for further reduction
yes/no result - option for quantification of viral load
Platform technology - can potentially be used to detect multiple virus targets
Scientific Concept
The test involves the deployment of a DNA aptamer - a short, single-stranded DNA molecule that adopts a shape that is complementary to that of the virus surface protein. By coating a test surface with millions of copies of the aptamer molecule, Paraytec's CAPTURE module can trap Covid-19 virus particles from a swab sample, as they flow over the test surface. Trapped viruses are then instantaneously coated with the SIGNAL GENERATION module, a synthetic chimeric protein, that both recognises the viral surface as well as being highly fluorescent. The resultant fluorescent signal is measured by the novel DETECTION system developed using the company’s proprietary expertise in optics, electronics and software.
The development of our fast and sensitive COVID-19 test project uses a combination of existing intellectual property previously developed by Paraytec and also the creation of a wide range of new intellectual property within the fields of biochemistry, equipment hardware and software. Paraytec has employed specialist patent lawyers to assist with developing a pathway for the protection of the intellectual property and know how that has been developed during the creation of our COVID-19 test and to ensure that all novel intellectual property is protected by patents. Paraytec currently has a suite of five core patents granted and a further three patent applications submitted. Paraytec expects to be filing further additional patent applications over the first two quarters of 2021 as it develops the intellectual property
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