Chapter 1: Introduction to UFC-19 Technology

In a groundbreaking development, a professor from Texas Tech University has created a revolutionary technology aimed at aiding the world in navigating the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr. Gerardine G. Botte, a chemical engineering professor at the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering, has unveiled the UFC-19, an ultra-rapid Covid-19 detection sensor. This innovative device can identify the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in saliva within a mere 100 milliseconds.

The creation of this product stems from a collaboration between Texas Tech faculty researchers and the university's entrepreneurial program, facilitated by the Texas Tech Innovation Hub at Research Park.

The Innovation Hub serves as a vital resource for aspiring entrepreneurs at Texas Tech, providing access to funding and mentorship. This expansive facility, covering 40,000 square feet, supports the establishment of new technology startups.

Chapter 2: The Role of EviroTech

Dr. Botte utilized her chemical engineering expertise to establish EviroTech, a biotech firm. Since joining the Texas Tech Division of Chemical Engineering in 2019, she has accumulated extensive research experience and entrepreneurial insight.

EviroTech has partnered with the Innovation Hub and received funding from the Department of Defense, along with support from the Prototype Fund, the Presidents’ Innovation Award, and the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps program. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) collaborates with the DoD to invest in critical technologies for national security.

The technology has been patented by EviroTech, which has also sought Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the US Food and Drug Administration. If granted, this would enable individuals to conduct rapid home testing that connects seamlessly to their smartphones. This straightforward and accurate home test will empower people to make informed safety decisions for themselves and their families.

EviroTech recently announced a significant investment of four million dollars from the German firm 1701 Ventures GmbH to propel the project forward. This funding will facilitate the initiation of production and distribution efforts.

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Chapter 3: The Importance of Testing in Public Health

As the world strives to reopen, increasing the frequency and accessibility of testing could be essential. While Covid-19 vaccines and natural immunity have significantly reduced case numbers, Texas has recorded nearly 2.5 million confirmed cases, currently averaging around 1,000 cases daily. Compounding this challenge is the emergence of new Covid-19 variants in regions like India and Brazil.

Although Covid testing has decreased in Texas, it remains a critical tool in managing the pandemic. Testing enables healthcare providers to diagnose and treat Covid-19 patients effectively, facilitates contact tracing, and provides valuable data through genetic sequencing to help track trends in various communities.

Researchers across Texas have played an instrumental role in supplying essential data and cutting-edge innovations to support public health authorities in combating Covid-19. For instance, Texas A&M University researchers recently discovered a new variant, BV-1, through genetic sequencing of various Covid strains. Similarly, genetic scientists at UT Southwestern in Dallas identified the first case of the Brazil P.1 variant in North Texas.

The collaboration to develop the UFC-19 Ultra-fast Covid-19 detection sensor represents a significant advancement for public health experts in monitoring the disease's prevalence moving forward. The sensor operates as an antigen-based electrochemical device that detects SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins during the early stages of infection.

Antigen testing offers a cost-effective alternative to PCR tests and is designed to identify active infections, as opposed to antibody tests which indicate previous infections. The UFC-19 sensor utilizes saliva samples rather than invasive deep nasal swabs, providing results in just 100 milliseconds.

While a negative antigen test may be slightly less reliable than a PCR test, it excels in accurately identifying individuals with active Covid-19 infections. Furthermore, antigen testing can be conducted at the point of care, making it a practical option for widespread use. The CDC has also provided guidance on interpreting rapid antigen test results.

Chapter 4: Conclusion and Future Implications

As the US economy gradually reopens, a scalable and rapid-testing solution could be crucial for resuming normalcy in schools, summer camps, airports, concert venues, and other public gatherings. Individuals would have the capability to test themselves at home for early, asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections, thereby preventing further spread.

The UFC-19 Ultra Fast test requires only the detection sensor, a saliva sample, and a smartphone, allowing users to obtain their results almost instantaneously.

For more details, take a tour of the Texas Tech Innovation Hub at Research Park here.