In recent news, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) has made a significant stride in India’s fight against Covid-19. The institute has developed India’s first paper strip test for the virus, named ‘Feluda’. This innovative testing method is poised to meet the country’s urgent need for rapid testing.
What is Feluda?
Feluda is India’s first paper strip test for detecting Covid-19 within an hour. The name stands for FNCAS9 Editor Linked Uniform Detection. This indigenous test kit is based on groundbreaking technology known as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR). CRISPR is a gene-editing technology that mimics natural defense mechanisms in bacteria used to combat virus attacks. This is done using a special protein known as Cas9.
How does CRISPR-Cas9 Work?
CRISPR-Cas9 technology operates by cutting and pasting DNA strands containing genetic information. Firstly, it identifies the specific location of the genetic codes on the DNA strand that need to be modified or edited. Using the Cas9 protein, which acts like a pair of scissors, the identified location is then cut off from the strand. It’s crucial to note that when a DNA strand becomes fragmented, it naturally seeks to repair itself. However, scientists intervene during this auto-repair mechanism, introducing the desired sequence of genetic codes that merge with the broken DNA strand.
Feluda vs RT-PCR Test
Both the Feluda and RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests work on the principle of identifying the novel coronavirus in suspected individual samples. However, there are key differences between them.
While the Feluda test uses the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9, the RT-PCR test detects the virus’s genetic material, which is Ribonucleic acid (RNA).
The Cost Factor
A significant advantage of the Feluda test is its cost-effectiveness. It will cost less than Rs.500 per test, while the real-time PCR test, currently in use for Covid-19 diagnosis in India, costs around Rs. 4500.
Infrastructure Requirements
Another key benefit of the Feluda test is it does not rely on expensive real-time PCR machines for RNA isolation, DNA conversion, and amplification. This is an important consideration as these machines are in limited supply within the country.
The development of the Feluda test represents a considerable advancement in India’s efforts to manage the ongoing pandemic. The test’s affordability and simplicity make it an ideal solution for widespread use, particularly in regions with limited resources.
