Samueli School of Engineering

Abstract: Agitation and Temperature Control of Sample Wells in Bio-Layer Interferometry In the United States alone, there are over 30 million COVID-19 cases and over 550 thousand deaths [1]. One of the tools used to slow the spread of the virus is testing. Currently, the two most popular test methods are antigen and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. RT-PCR tests are sensitive and accurate but have a turnaround time of 48 hours [2]. Antigen tests are inexpensive and have a turnaround time of 15-30 minutes but are less sensitive and accurate. There is a need for an accurate, easily accessible test with rapid turnaround times and Siphox Inc. aims to meet this need by creating an affordable, accurate, efficient, at-home chip-based diagnostic device. The cost per test, ease of use, and the potential to test for thousands of bio markers from a single test differentiates it from competitors. This project will assist Siphox by creating an agitation and temperature control system for use in bio-layer interferometry (BLI). Rapidly testing samples with BLI and the device in parallel is key for the rapid prototyping of the final product. The machine must be able to agitate fluid over the BLI sensors while maintaining a set temperature in a set time period. Mentors: Michael Dubrovsky, Dr. Michelle Khine, Dr. Christine King, Dr. Chris Hoo