Improving Diagnostic Options for COVID-19

Due to the alarming situation generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of new diagnostic tests and the improvement of existing tests have become a responsibility shared by the entire scientific community. The main goal of this project is to optimize and validate a rapid molecular genosensor test for the detection of COVID-19. The test targets nucleotide sequences specific to the virus including E, N, and P genes. Unlike the currently used laboratory tests which are using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), the genosensor test is easy to use without the requirement of laboratory level facilities. Furthermore, it should be a low-cost alternative in order to make it as widely accessible as possible. However, they still have the same accuracy as laboratory tests.

This project is an opportunity for Arab and German researchers to build new collaboration around a global problem, which affects everyone, potentially infected persons as well as researchers and health workers.