BIOTEC Bioengineering and Sensing Technology Research Team has developed a colorimetric LAMP detection assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, the causative of COVID-19. The assay is a simple one-step method and the result can be visualized with naked eyes. The total assay time is only one hour. Negative reactions are indicated in purple and positive reactions are indicated by a change to yellow. This assay is currently being validated in collaboration with the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University. The validation should be completed for further discussion with the Department of Medical Sciences and FDA Thailand in this coming June.
Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a technique used to amplify genetic materials, both DNA and RNA, to 1 billion times in an hour at a temperature of 60-65 °C. LAMP offers a low-cost alternative to detect certain diseases with higher sensitivity than PCR. Due to its excellent specificity, simple equipment and protocol, LAMP technique has been widely applied to the detection assay of diseases caused by both virus and bacteria.
BIOTEC Bioengineering and Sensing Technology Research Team has accumulated expertise in LAMP technique and successfully developed assays for detecting a wide variety of human, animal and foodborne pathogens.
