2025 Theses Doctoral

Design and development of point-of-care diagnostic technologies for a pandemic age

Chellani, Harshit Harpaldas

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated an unprecedented global scale-up of diagnostic testing. To meet this demand, innovative point-of-care (POC) solutions were required to support widespread decentralized testing. Key advances spanned assay chemistry, microfluidics, connected instrumentation, and integrated data analytics. This dissertation presents the development of novel tools and technologies for POC diagnostics designed in response to the pandemic and aimed at enabling decentralized testing.

First, we developed a microfluidic, plasmonic RT-PCR platform for pathogen detection in decentralized settings. Leveraging optics, nanoparticles, and microfluidics, we engineered a compact device capable of rapid thermocycling and detecting SARS-CoV-2 within 16 minutes using an integrated fluorometer. Second, we designed lateral flow assays (LFAs) for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and antigens, incorporating novel capture and detection reagents to enhance sensitivity. Lastly, we built a companion smartphone application to augment self-testing experiences for COVID-19 and HIV, and evaluated its utility through field trials.

Collectively, these technologies represent a next-generation suite of point-of-care diagnostic tools that advance decentralized testing and strengthen preparedness for future pandemics.