ChiP-redict

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  ChiP-redict logo

Inspiration

Different diagnostic and serological tests exist for COVID-19 analyses. However, they are still low and dependent on laboratory equipment; moreover, none predicts the clinical evolution of an initially infected patient. Our idea arises from the need of a fast, self-diagnostic and user-friendly test for the patient-specific prediction of the possible pathological evolution (e.g. in-home assistance, hospitalization, ICU) in individuals with COVID-19 symptoms. This will support healthcare personnel in the management of hospital organization and patients in dealing with the psychological impact of the unknown course of the disease. Since saliva is a reliable biological fluid for SARS-CoV-2 detection [Azzi L. et al., 2020] and the collection of multiple samples is economical, non-invasive and not requiring training, we aim at developing ChiP-redict, an effective device capable to predict the severity of COVID-19 infection from salivary samples. This approach is also supported by experimental evidences of saliva physico-chemical changes induced by viral infections [Hegde M.N. et al., 2013; Ahmadi-Motamayel F. et al., 2018].

What it does

From the measurements of selected physico-chemical properties of saliva, ChiP-redict device will estimate the clinical evolution of COVID-19.

In the first phase, we will recruit subjects with early phase symptoms (e.g. cough, fever, respiratory distress) by selecting people that have contacted their family doctor for suspected infection. Their clinical follow up will allow their division into 4 cohorts (patients with PCR-negative nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS), and patients with PCR-positive NPS with mild, moderate or severe symptoms). Hence, the correlation between saliva-derived results and the downstream clinical evolution will be performed by machine learning methods.

In the second phase, we will optimize ChiP-redict as a smart, easy-to-use and disposable point of care. It will consist of analytical compartments with high-resolution real-time sensors and a rapid, self-diagnostic detection test for SARS-CoV-2 positivity. Based on the previously found correlation, ChiP-redict will predict the time course of the disease for a new subject with COVID-19 first symptoms.

How we built it

In the first phase, we will enroll the patients and collect the samples accordingly to the national regulations. In collaboration with multidisciplinary teams of Politecnico di Milano, MOAB s.r.l. and Filarete Foundation (University of Milan, whose laboratories are already involved in SARS-CoV-2 research), we will analyze a panel of selected salivary physico-chemical parameters and biomarkers (e.g. pH and hormones). We will combine machine learning algorithms to integrate the experimental results with anamnesis data and disease progression. This approach will generate a correlation map between the final disease severity and the patient early phase features. After selecting three key COVID-19-associated parameters, we will use the consolidated and versatile MOAB® device (Tunesi M. et al., 2016; Marturano-Kruik A. et al., 2018; Izzo L. et al., 2019) to optimize ChiP-redict point of care. It will be composed of an inlet cannula connected to a test tube for saliva collection. The sample will enter rectangular communicating sensorized chambers to provide easy-to-read colorimetric outputs. Together with analytical parameters detection, a specific chamber with an antibody-coupled detection system will be dedicated to SARS-CoV-2 positivity confirmation. Specific instructions provided with ChiP-redict device will guide the patient in the interpretation of the results and their rapid communication to the family doctor.

Challenges I ran into

By the collection and analysis of saliva samples, it is possible to acquire data to study the correlation between saliva properties and disease severity. Finding a clinical partner will speed up this phase and meet additional requirements by national regulations. The modification of MOAB® device will make it suitable for the collection and analysis of saliva samples. Finding a partner with expertise in the development of electronic sensors would speed up the sensorization and the performances of the ChiP-redict device. These data and collaborations will allow us to get closer to realizing our idea.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

We are very proud to propose a device marketed by the start-up MOAB S.r.l. (of which one of us is among the founders) and already validated for several applications in basic research and drug testing. In addition, some of us have experience in soft hydrogel characterization (a category of materials in which saliva can be inserted) and in the analysis of various markers in biological fluids.

What I learned

A literature search has indicated that our available tools and idea can be adapted to significantly impact in the management of COVID-19-related emergency. This Hackathon has offered us a broader overview about the current strategies to fight COVID-19 spreading, manage its social, psychological and economic impact and learn from the interesting proposals by other teams. Skill and expertise sharing, disruptive ideas and innovative technologies, will be the key to getting out of this global emergency.

What's next for ChiP-redict

PRODUCTION: Around the city of Milan, several companies could produce ChiP-redict device

IMPROVEMENTS: Self-management is a pivotal aspect to tackle COVID-19 pandemic scenario. The next step for ChiP-redict point of care will be the development of ChiP-redict App. Accordingly to the output of ChiP-redict device, the App will inform the patient about the optimal behavior to be taken. Indeed, the direct digital communication between ChiP-redict device and App will supply, directly on the patient’s smartphone, not only the live interpretation of the results, but also the proper behavior to be considered, limiting the psychological pressure. In this way, the self-awareness and control will limit the number of reckless reactions and enhance the fight against COVID-19 worldwide.

THE VALUE OF OUR SOLUTION AFTER THE CRISIS: After COVID-19 emergency, Chip-redict device could be applied to several other viral pathologies where the virus can be detected in saliva samples. An auto-diagnostic tool could help in the management of diseases in more isolated areas, where transportation and access to healthcare facilities is often complicated.