Optimal design for 3D printed nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs for COVID-19 detection.

用于 COVID-19 检测的 3D 打印鼻咽 (NP) 拭子的优化设计。

• 批准号: 554501-2020
• 负责人: Natale, Giovanniantonio
• 金额: $ 3.64万
• 依托单位: University of Calgary
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Alliance Grants
• 财政年份: 2020
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2020-01-01 至 2021-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=705519
• 关键词: Optimal; design; 3D; printed; nasopharyngeal

This research project seeks funds for developing optimal designs for 3D printed nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs for COVID-19 detection. 3D printed NP swabs have been identified as a viable methodology to manufacture NP swabs in large quantities considering the need highlighted by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. However, to be brought to the market and used clinically, NP swabs still suffers various limitations in quality and quantity of sample collected, patient discomfort and limited mechanical stability. Here we propose to develop numerical simulations to improve the current NP swab design features to optimize sample collections. This optimization will take into account the mucus rheological properties and the local stresses on the mucosa generated during the NP swab motion for sample collection. Simulations rather then experiments are ideal to perform this optimization because the large variability in mucus rheology and physiognomy of the population. This large variability makes an experimental approach time consuming and highly demanding. This optimized design will benefit the management of COVID-19 in Canada by reducing a) the number of false negatives, b) the risks for qualified personnel and c) the associated use of personal protective equipment.

该研究项目寻求资金来开发用于 COVID-19 检测的 3D 打印鼻咽 (NP) 拭子的最佳设计。考虑到最近 COVID-19 大流行所强调的需求，3D 打印 NP 拭子已被确定为大量制造 NP 拭子的可行方法。然而，要推向市场并应用于临床，NP拭子在采集样本的质量和数量、患者不适以及机械稳定性方面仍受到各种限制。在这里，我们建议开发数值模拟来改进当前的 NP 拭子设计功能，以优化样本收集。此优化将考虑粘液流变特性以及 NP 拭子运动样本采集过程中产生的粘膜局部应力。模拟而不是实验是执行这种优化的理想选择，因为人群的粘液流变学和相貌存在很大的变异性。这种巨大的可变性使得实验方法非常耗时且要求很高。这种优化设计将通过减少 a) 误报数量、b) 合格人员的风险以及 c) 个人防护设备的相关使用，有利于加拿大的 COVID-19 管理。