Team:Munich

The over-prescription of antibiotics, due to the difficulty of distinguishing between viral and bacterial infections, leads to the growing problem of multi-resistent pathogens. To remedy this issue we have developed CasAID (Cas13a controlled Assay for Infections Diseases). Combining a novel RNA detection mechanism, revolving around the Cas13a CRISPR effector, with a cleverly designed paper-based microfluidis device, we created a cheap and easy-to-use diagnostic tool. In the near future we hope to optimize and customize our design, so that it can be regularly used not only in developing countries, but also in developed, to seepd up their process and some day even in houshodls

Step 1: Take saliva from the the patient since both pathogens of interest, bacteria and virus can occur.

Step 3: Cas13a binds the target sequence, degrading it. After this inital digestion, the enzyme becomes activated.

Step 5: A colorful, easy to interpret read-out tells whether a specific pathogen was present in the sample.

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Step 2: RNA is purified with the help of our reusable, 3D-printed microfluidic device.

Step 4: Once activated, Cas13a changes into a RNAase-active conformation and degrades the read-out RNAp, producing a visible product.