Opteev Technologies has announced the filing of a patent for a new multiplex biochip that can precisely identify Flu, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and respiratory pathogens.

The new polymer-based biochip is intended for testing multiple pathogens that can cause these respiratory infections.

Designed to accurately detect the specific virus or bacteria within one minute, the new technology is expected to provide a path for a new precise, ultra-rapid, portable and syndromic diagnostic device to offer healthcare providers immediate access to results.

Opteev Technologies virology and diagnostics vice-president Dr Mesfin Meshesha said: “With the development of our multiplex biochip, we are revolutionising point-of-care diagnostics.

“The potential of this technology to transform patient care, streamline operations and reduce costs is truly remarkable.”

The tiny biochip can instantly identify complete viruses in real-time in unprocessed and processed samples such as nasal swabs or saliva.

It has exhibited an accuracy rate of 99.49% with a notable limit of detection in the analytical performance assessment.

The biosensor attains specificity by choosing specific virus-binding peptides, thereby facilitating accurate target virus detection in complex samples.

The biochip leverages artificial intelligence to optimise the frequency range, effectively addressing the impact of interfering noise signals and ensuring precise virus detection.

Opteev chairman and co-founder Conrad Bessemer said: “Together, we can shape the future of diagnostics and unlock the massive potential of our game-changing multiplex biochip.”

Novatec subsidiary Opteev focuses on the development of solutions for point-of-care diagnostics.