Highlights
- Brisbane-based scientists are developing a rapid diagnostic test for coronavirus
- Dr Yadveer Grewal said the test utilises bio-engineered yeast molecules to trap COVID-19
- The project has received funding from the QLD state and the US government
Scientists in Queensland are developing a new type of COVID-19 diagnostic kit that can potentially provide a result as fast as a pregnancy test.
XING Technologies researcher Yadveer Grewal told SBS Punjabi that the new test if successfully developed, would revolutionise the way the medical world has been diagnosing coronavirus.
"We are already looking forward to fast-tracking the development of this test and getting the necessary regulatory approvals for the diagnostic kit so we can be up and ready to meet the demand in markets in USA, Europe and the Asian region, particularly India," he said.
Dr. Yadveer Grewal working in his laboratory at XING Technologies, Brisbane. Source: Supplied
The project has received $1.5 million from the state government and $1.4 million in funds from the US National Institute of Health (UNIH).
Explaining how the test would work, Dr Grewal said XavTrap is a low-cost, rapid point-of-care test that contains bio-engineered yeast molecules coated with velcro-like particles.
Scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 (orange) also known as 2019-nCoV, emerging from the surface of cells (green). Source: NIAID-RML / AAP
"Once the virus sticks to the coating, we would be able to diagnose an infection in an ultrafast way.
"All one needs is a patient's nasal swab that would be applied to a strip, and within 5–15 minutes, we would get the result, depending on how infectious the person is," he said.
Dr Grewal said healthcare professionals could also use the test before their daily hospital shifts for rapid and reliable results.
He claims that the test they are developing is far superior to the existing COVID-19 tests, which are either dependent upon the human body's response against the virus.
"The test being developed by XING and its partners is focused on detecting the live virus itself, which is a reliable indicator of an infection," he said.
Dr Grewal completed his PhD in 2015 from the University of Queensland before starting his professional career with XING Technologies.
Source: Supplied
Talking about his long-spanning career in research, Dr Grewal said that he has spent quite a few years of his professional life in the field of cancer care and protein detection diagnostics.
"I have a specific interest in various bioengineered nanoparticle-based capture agents to identify and prevent the spread of pathogens such as COVID-19," he said.
To hear Dr Grewal's full interview, please click on the audio player above.
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