Malaria Breathalyzer: A Point of Care Diagnostic Tool
Team: ChemBE Product Design Team G
Program:
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Project Description:
The Malaria Breathalyzer is a point of care diagnostic test that measures the levels of two terpenes, p-cymene and limonene, which are known biomarkers for malaria. The device displays the combined concentration of these terpenes, and a concentration above 6 ppb (about 2.5 times the normal human terpene levels) indicates a positive malaria diagnosis. The terpenes are present at the earliest stages of malaria infection, and because the disease can develop rapidly, catching it early leads to a better prognosis for patients. Our intended market is the travel sector, specifically in areas where passengers return from high malaria-risk regions, like Africa and Southeast Asia. Our goal is to aid in the world-wide malaria eradication effort by focusing on testing in low-transmission areas where more invasive testing methods like microscopy and blood-prick rapid diagnostic tests are not commonly used.
Team Members
-
[foreach 357]
-
[if 397 not_equal=””][/if 397][395]
[/foreach 357]
Project Mentors, Sponsors, and Partners
-
Tom Fekete
Course Faculty
-
[foreach 429]
-
[if 433 not_equal=””][/if 433][431]
[/foreach 429]