The most familiar point-of-care diagnostic tool, especially post-COVID, is the lateral flow test – simple, rapid, and relatively inexpensive. We are dedicated to enhancing these tests, making them not only more affordable but also significantly more sensitive, specific and robust. By leveraging cutting-edge bioengineering approaches, we are expanding the potential of these everyday tests. These advancements include catalytic nanoparticles, known as nanozymes, to boost sensitivity, innovative binders for improved stability, and new technologies – such as CrisprZyme (Stevens Group) and OxLAMP (Cui group) – that enable faster, more cost-effective detection of nucleic acid markers.

Moreover, we are working on the integration of such PoC devices with mHealth, with the aim of making advanced diagnostics accessible to everyone, everywhere. This innovation will be particularly transformative for epidemic and pandemic control, especially in low-income countries, where it can dramatically enhance timely detection, surveillance, and rapid response efforts. (Stevens and Clifton Group)

This outlines the key stages, stakeholders, example outcomes (in blue), and challenges (in red) involved in deploying an effective mobile health (mHealth) intervention using a connected diagnostic device. Figure from https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-0956-2.