WEBEX MEETING
https://purdue.webex.com/join/bhave  |  649 461 992

Saliva-based testing for COVID-19

Testing for COVID-19 still requires several days to obtain results. Molecular tests that detect the RNA from the virus are accurate but require lab-based equipment and technical expertise. The Verma lab is developing a molecular test for SARS-CoV-2 that detects the RNA and produces a color change in less than one hour. Using saliva as the sample, this test is easier to use at the point-of-care. In addition, all the reagents required for the test are stored in paper-based devices to simplify the operation of the test such that the user only needs to add the sample. In this webinar, Dr. Verma will share the development and current status of this test.

Bio: Dr. Verma is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University. He completed a Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015-2017) at Professor George Whitesides' Laboratory in Harvard University. He received his PhD (as a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholar) in Chemical Engineering (Nanotechnology) from the University of Waterloo under the supervision of Professor Frank Gu in 2015. He completed his Bachelor of Applied Science in Nanotechnology Engineering at the University of Waterloo in 2012. His research interests include biosensors, microbiome, and soft robotics.