Low-cost paper CRISPR test for cervical cancer screening
Low-Cost CRISPR-on-Paper for Cervical Cancer Screening at the Point of Care
A cheap, paper-based CRISPR test is being developed to quickly find high-risk HPV types for women, especially in low-resource clinics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11517886 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to put a CRISPR-based HPV test onto a disposable paper cartridge that can detect multiple high-risk HPV types. The team will combine an all-in-one CRISPR-Cas12a amplification and detection method with paper microfluidics so results can be read without bulky lab machines. A chemical hand warmer will provide the heat needed so the test can run instrument-free at the point of care. Developers will optimize the test for accuracy, speed, and low cost so it can be used in clinics that lack standard PCR labs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women eligible for cervical cancer screening, particularly those in low-resource or remote settings without access to lab-based PCR testing, are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who already have a confirmed cervical cancer diagnosis or who need tissue biopsy and treatment planning would not gain diagnostic benefit from this screening test alone.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could allow affordable, same-day HPV screening in clinics without laboratory equipment.
How similar studies have performed: CRISPR-based point-of-care diagnostics have shown promise for infections like COVID-19, but multiplex paper-based HPV screening is a newer application with limited prior clinical use.
Where this research is happening
Farmington, United States
- University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt — Farmington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Changchun — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Liu, Changchun
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.