Rapid handheld genetic quality assessment device for plant materials using LAMP and particle diffusometry

Overview

OmniVis has developed a handheld diagnostic platform that combines Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) chemistry with a novel particle diffusometry (PD) readout to enable rapid genetic quality assessment of plant materials outside of traditional laboratory settings. The technology addresses the need for point-of-care testing in agriculture by detecting both larger genetic inserts and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in plant samples, delivering results in 30 minutes or less. This capability supports seed quality verification, trait confirmation, and genetic identity checks directly in the field, greenhouse, or warehouse.

The solution builds on OmniVis' existing platform, which has already been validated across human clinical diagnostics, waterborne pathogen detection, and food safety applications. By adapting the LAMP-PD approach for plant genomics, the technology offers agriculture stakeholders a portable alternative to centralized lab testing, reducing turnaround time and enabling real-time decision-making in plant breeding, propagation, and supply chain operations.

Technical specifications

Core technology components:

• LAMP chemistry isothermal DNA amplification that operates at a constant temperature, eliminating the need for thermal cycling equipment
• Particle diffusometry (PD) readout a proprietary method developed by OmniVis that translates amplification results into a visual or instrument-readable signal without complex optics
• Handheld device form factor portable platform suitable for use by non-specialist personnel in non-laboratory environments

Key detection capabilities:

• Detection of larger genetic inserts in plant material
• Detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) through LAMP primer design targeting altered wild-type sequences
• Rapid analytical lead time of 30 minutes or less from sample to result
• Compatibility with diverse sample types and environmental conditions

Validated application contexts:

The underlying LAMP-PD platform has been tested in human clinical samples (HIV and malaria detection at controlled lab sites), waterborne pathogen detection in challenging field conditions including Dhaka slum environments, and food safety assessments in processing facilities. These prior validations demonstrate adaptability across sample matrices and operating environments.

Technology readiness level

The core LAMP-PD platform has reached an advanced stage of development with validation completed across multiple application areas, including double-blinded studies for cholera detection in water samples. The technology has demonstrated analytical performance with sample sets ranging from 20 to 200 specimens across diverse settings.

For the plant material application, the proposed development pathway includes designing oligonucleotide sequences and LAMP primers for relevant SNPs and genetic inserts, conducting extensive laboratory testing, collecting and testing relevant plant materials including spiked samples, manufacturing field-ready test kits, and performing field validation across diverse environmental conditions and plant species. The project spans approximately one year and requires collaboration partners with expertise in plant SNPs, access to diverse plant material samples, and field trial sites. The technology is positioned to transition from demonstrated platform capability to agriculture-specific validation and field deployment.