COVID-19-RNA has a unique sequence.
Micro-fluorescence spectroscopy identifies this sequence.
The viruses’ unique RNA sequence is reliably identified and measured at any hot spot by micro-fluorescence spectroscopy. This method of ICHORtec is suited for ambulance, medical and diagnostical institutions of every size, government agencies, businesses, and especially for the travel industry.
The Method
the device
HOW DOES THE ICHOR-SYSTEM WORK?
The ICHOR system consists of an analyzing box and pipette testing tool. It has been developed for a wide range of virus scanning tasks, in this case the detection of COVID-19. Our patented technology docks to and identifies the known COVID-19 RNA sequence via an energetic profile.
WHAT METHOD DOES ICHOR USE?
The pipette is equipped with a molecular beacon (colorant sensing probe/optical signal). The sensing probe is designed to interact exclusively with a specific virus RNA sequence. If the molecular beacon matches the virus (hybridization) it triggers an energetic interaction which then can be measured by micro-fluorescence spectroscopy.
- Micro-fluorescence spectroscopy for the detection of individual RNA molecules
- Selective hybridization of the RNA and virus sample sequences ensure a safe and highly reliable specificity
- High sensitivity with a low virus load (concentrations up to 100 RNA/ml are detectable)
Technical specifications
- Dimensions 30 x 20 x 17 cm
- Slot for pipette
- Power On/Off
- LED indicators
- Power supply
- Protective laser cover including UVC for decontamination
- COVID-19 RNA specific pipettes (single use)
- V single screening box for RNA-specific detection
- Optional: eSwab for sputum sampling
- General sampling safety guidelines must be adhered
- Cleaning and disinfection with isopropanol
- The device and the pipette are not approved, they are for research purposes only
- Validated against synthetic COVID-19 viruses
- Delivery of prototype available under research contract
About ICHORtec
ICHORtec. Innovative solutions in virus und antibody systems
What is ICHORtec’s mission? “Fast and reliable testing. This is how ICHORtec provides an essential contribution to the public health care system”.says the research team surrounding Dr. Oleh Fedorych, developer, and Uwe Korth, CEO of ICHORtec GmbH. Their biotechnology company ICHORtec, based in Aachen, Germany, is a spin-off of the MedTech company IEM, based nearby in Stolberg.
Patented technologies
Patents in biochemistry, physics and optical laser technology are a fundamental asset of the company. These pillars form the basis of the ICHOR-method.
Partnership with RWTH Aachen and Fraunhofer Institute
The first clinical validation was conducted with PD Dr. Kleines, virologist of RWTH Aachen, and compared to the known PCR technology.
Comparison with current methods
ICHOR in comparison to virus and antibody testing methods
The ICHOR-method is superior to current technology in detecting active Covid-19-infections as well as antibody testing for immunity after overcoming a Covid-19-infection.
Tests for active virus infection
| Common Laboratory method, e.g. PCR | Rapid Diagnostic | ICHOR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative (sensor) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Portable | No | Yes | Yes |
| Complexity | High | Low | Low |
| Required conditions | Laboratory | Everyday environments | Everyday environments |
| Reliability | Up to 95% | 34-74%* | Min. 95%** |
| Sensitivity to low virus load | High | Very low (34% reliability)* | High |
| Time until result | Hours-Days | 5-13 minutes | 3 minutes |
| Cost per test | $$$-$$$$ | $$ | $ |
* Mari C. Smithgall, Ioana Scherberkova, Susan Whittier, Daniel A. Green bioRxiv 2020.04.22.055327
** O. Fedorych, M. Kleines, J.F. Buyel – In situ detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA – in press, derived
Tests for existing antibodies (immunization)
| Laboratory Analyzers | Rapid Diagnostic | ICHOR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative (sensor) | Yes | No (Marker) | Yes |
| Portable | No | Yes | Yes |
| Complexity | High | Low | Low |
| Conditions required | Laboratory | Any environments | Any environments |
| Accuracy | Up to 95% | Approx. 70% | 98% or higher |
| Time until result | Hours-Days | 5-13 minutes | 3 minutes |
| Cost per test | $$$-$$$$ | $$ | $ |
First validation results based on SARS-CoV-2 pathogen.
Frequently asked Questions
ICHOR delivers rapid, reliable results in non-laboratory settings, meaning a sample can be collected from anywhere – an airport, cruise terminal or office, for example – and deliver an accurate result in under three minutes.
The testing procedure itself is quite simple. To test for active COVID-19 infection, a nasal swab is required. The swab sample goes into a fluid which deactivates the virus, if it is present in the sample, and releases or strips the virus of its RNA. Next, a portion of that fluid is extracted with a sampling tool, similar to a pipette, and analyzed in the ICHOR. Within three minutes, the analyzer delivers a positive or negative result for active COVID-19 infection. The ICHOR antibodies test is even more simple. First, we collect capillary blood from a finger prick. This is then inserted into a tiny reservoir within another sampling tool and the sampling tool is then inserted into the analyzer. Again, a result is delivered within three minutes to detect for COVID-19 antibodies.
We have tested the ICHOR against SARS-CoV-2 RNA extracted from patient samples, which is exactly the same material used for classical molecular diagnostic methods such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction).
ICHOR has demonstrated effectiveness in delivering rapid, reliable results in non-laboratory settings. Right now, we are preparing a research article in which we discuss our methodology and results in more detail.
Yes, of course
The “magic” is found within small molecules which can interact with the virus material and other molecules that can bind to antibodies. Exchanging of these molecules allows to perform both tests with the same hardware.
Initial results indicate the reliability of the ICHOR method when encountering samples with low virus loads. Current publications on the established PCR method reveal that these low virus load samples are often identified as “false-negative”, thus further highlighting the advantages of using ICHORtec instead. In addition, ICHOR is designed for on-site usage, hence granting a more robust and broad application. ICHOR is a unique and portable solution that can deliver fast and reliable results for both the detection of active SARS-CoV-2 RNA as well as antibody testing for immunity after overcoming a Covid-19-infection.
Because ICHOR has demonstrated effectiveness in non-laboratory settings, we believe that it will be the most accessible rapid COVID-19 detection technology. The test can be administered anywhere by any person, allowing ICHOR to be deployed anywhere in the world – from airports to offices and even retail settings.
ICHOR only requires minute quantities of the testing agent utilized. It is readily available and routinely sourced from independent labs as a standard procedure for this type of diagnostic testing.
As soon as genetic code of the future influenza or virus will be broken, we will be able to provide a solution. But for the moment, our company’s mission is to end COVID-19.
We just removed all of the factors that are not relevant to delivering a rapid, reliable result. It really is a simple solution.
At this time, we are seeking a licensing partner so that we can begin production. Once we have been able to do so, we will look forward to working with the public health community to determine the best way we can help end the spread of COVID-19 infections.