Point-of-care genotyping assay using portable thermal cycler
A portable, cost-effective point-of-care genotyping assay using DNA from a simple swab and a small thermal cycler. The process is rapid, user-friendly, and validated by Sanger sequencing, suitable for various clinical settings.
Overview
The point-of-care genotyping assay provides a rapid, cost-effective solution for genotyping using DNA obtained from a simple swab. This innovative process requires only a small portable thermal cycler, making it accessible and easy to implement in various clinical environments. The method is minimally invasive, utilizing a flocked nylon swab for buccal mucosal cell collection, and can deliver results in approximately 50 minutes. This rapid turnaround time, combined with the low-cost technology, offers a significant return on investment for healthcare providers and commercial entities.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes a flocked nylon swab for buccal cell collection
- Pre-loaded PCR tubes with reagents for streamlined processing
- Compatible with any genotyping assay adaptable to a standard thermal cycler
- Process from swab to results takes approximately 50 minutes
- Validated through Sanger sequencing for accuracy
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 4, having been validated in controlled settings. Future plans include feasibility studies in various specialty clinics and commercial settings to increase the robustness and efficiency of the solution, explore its potential as a self-test, and reduce costs through optimization of reagent usage.
About Temple University
Temple University is a comprehensive public research university serving a large, diverse student body and anchored in Philadelphia. Industry engagement is enabled by co-located research facilities across its main and health sciences campuses and direct integration with a major hospital system that supports clinical research and trials. Companies access shared instrumentation cores, sponsored research agreements, and flexible IP pathways to accelerate product development. Research is supported by competitive federal funding, including sustained awards from NIH and NSF, together with state and philanthropic sources. A dedicated technology transfer office advances IP protection, licensing, startup formation, and corporate matchmaking.
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