In many parts of the world, traditional testing is slow and complicated. Long wait times and complex processes can delay critical care, leaving communities vulnerable. But with Linnes' innovation, healthcare workers can quickly identify health issues and act immediately, empowering communities to manage health challenges more effectively and without delay.

The device is a low-cost paper-based technology that revolutionizes the diagnostic process. By simply adding a sample, the device autonomously manages every step: sample preparation, nucleic acid amplification and detection. The output is a simple, easy-to-read result similar to a pregnancy or COVID-19 rapid test. This design bridges the gap between the sensitivity of lab-based molecular diagnostics and the user-friendliness of home diagnostic kits, ensuring accessibility for diverse settings.

What sets this invention apart is its innovative wax-ink valve mechanism. This feature enables precise control of sample flow through different testing stages. The wax-ink valves, embedded in paper, remain solid at room temperature forming barriers that can be thermally actuated to melt at precise moments. This heating process moves the liquid sample sequentially through the diagnostic steps without the need for user intervention or complex equipment. This unique mechanism eliminates traditionally labor-intensive tasks like manual pipetting and strict timing, making advanced molecular diagnostics achievable outside of laboratory environments.

This technology is more than a technical achievement; it is a leap forward in public health. By simplifying the testing process and integrating it into a portable format, this device democratizes access to vital diagnostics. With potential applications ranging from infectious disease detection to monitoring health conditions in remote locations, the device exemplifies the transformative power of research at the Weldon School.

For Professor Linnes and her team, the journey from concept to real-world application is a testament to their commitment to improving healthcare. The patented device’s robust design and potential to save lives underline its importance as a tool for future innovation. As its adoption grows, this technology could redefine how and when critical health information is gathered, shaping a healthier, more proactive future.

Linnes is an associate professor of Biomedical Engineering. Her research interests include point-of-care diagnostics for global health, pathogen detection and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy, miniaturization of molecular bioassays, rapid prototyping and low-cost health technologies and microfluidics and paper-based diagnostics. To learn more about her research visit https://engineering.purdue.edu/LinnesLab.

Congratulations to all Purdue University researchers across all campuses and academic disciplines, who received a patent on their intellectual property from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in November.

Most of these innovations are available to license and bring to market. Visit the Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization’s website to learn more about these and other available innovations.

Source: Purdue Research Foundation