Kit Design

1. Our kit will contain aptamers specific to uropathogens which are capped with gold nanoparticles in high salt condition. FimH proteins (a protein used by bacteria to attach onto the urinary tract) are targeted.
2. In the presence of a uropathogen, aptamers will bind to the proteins produced by them which causes a color change in the test line as the gold nanoparticle aggregation dissociates.

Hardware Design

Proposed End Users

Anti body based detection is the most prevalent existing detection technique for UTIs which is expensive and requires refrigeration facilities. As we are focusing on rural areas where such facilities are not available, these kits are not accessible to them. We are trying to develop a novel cost effective detection kit which can be used extensively even in the rural areas of developing countries.

1. Our detection kit is more sensitive than the existing detection technique and thus will be helpful for the early detection of UTI.
2. It doesn't need refrigeration facilities, therefore can be used even in labs with fewer facilities.
3. It is cost effective and thus can be used by a broader population.

User Guide

Step 1: Sample collection

The urine sample of the patient should be collected in a small vial provided to them.

Step 2: Sample loading

Load 2-3 drops of urine sample onto the kit and let it migrate to the conjugate pad.

Step 3: Detection

If the test line and the control line are showing a color change, then the patient is having UTI, if only the control line is showing a color change then there is no infection.