Biomimicry to democratize access to infectious disease diagnostics
Submitted by
Wits University
Summary of the Impact:
The battle against diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 requires fast and accurate mass testing. However, traditional diagnostic verification required live TB bacteria that posed major safety risks, creating a critical stumbling block. The Wits biomimicry research team developed a groundbreaking suite of diagnostic controls using harmless bacteria modified with genetic elements from pathogenic organisms, thus mimicking them safely in testing platforms. This innovation enabled verification of TB, COVID-19, and HIV diagnostics in 51 countries, directly impacting millions of lives globally.