A scientific breakthrough in the UAE could transform healthcare testing in low-resource and remote areas. Researchers at New York University Abu Dhabi have introduced a paper-based diagnostic tool that can detect infectious diseases in less than 10 minutes. Known as the Radially Compartmentalised Paper Chip, or RCP-Chip, this innovation provides a fast, affordable, and portable solution that removes the need for advanced laboratory equipment or specialized training.
The idea was born in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the world faced serious shortages of reliable testing. According to Mohammad A. Qasaimeh, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering at NYU Abu Dhabi, the aim was to design something that could be used anywhere with minimal resources. He explained that the chip requires only a small sample and a limited number of reagents, making it both cost-effective and efficient.
While originally developed to detect COVID-19, the device can be easily adapted to test for a wide range of diseases, including dengue, malaria, and chickenpox. With minor changes, it can also be configured to measure hormones or metabolites, which could make it useful for monitoring chronic health conditions. Qasaimeh highlighted the versatility of the tool, stressing that its adaptability gives it the potential to support many different areas of healthcare.
Researchers believe the RCP-Chip could play a major role in outbreak response. Pavithra Sukumar, a Research Assistant at NYU Abu Dhabi and co-first author of the study, explained that its real-world impact lies in enabling fast detection, isolation, and treatment during epidemics and pandemics. The ability to deliver results in under 10 minutes makes it far more effective than many existing systems, especially in places where delays can cause rapid disease spread.
One of the device’s key advantages is its portability. Unlike conventional diagnostic tools that require sophisticated laboratory setups, the RCP-Chip can function with basic heating equipment at around 60 degrees Celsius. Even a hot plate or small oven is enough to operate the device. The chip also uses saliva samples, which are simpler and more comfortable for patients compared to traditional swabs. According to Qasaimeh, this design makes it easy to transport, set up, and deploy almost anywhere, including rural communities with limited infrastructure.
The path to development was not without obstacles. Pandemic-related restrictions slowed the team’s access to laboratory facilities, delaying early testing. Much of the initial work focused on designing and refining the chip on paper before experiments could begin. Once restrictions eased, the researchers advanced the project, carried out in-depth testing, and confirmed the chip’s effectiveness.
The team has now filed a patent for the RCP-Chip and launched a startup to bring the device to market. Interest from biotech firms has already been expressed, and the researchers are seeking investors to continue scaling up development. Qasaimeh emphasized that their focus is on advancing the translational potential of the chip, ensuring that it can be adapted for various medical purposes and widely used in the healthcare sector.
Experts say that the demand for affordable and reliable diagnostic tools has never been higher. In many parts of the world, access to labs is limited, and current testing methods are often costly or too slow to keep up with urgent needs. By addressing these challenges, the UAE-developed paper-based diagnostic tool offers an effective alternative. Its speed, low cost, and adaptability make it particularly valuable for communities that have historically been underserved.
Healthcare professionals point out that the tool could also support global preparedness for future health emergencies. By making rapid testing accessible in both rural and urban areas, it could help prevent small outbreaks from turning into large-scale crises. If adopted widely, the RCP-Chip has the potential to become one of the most significant healthcare innovations of the decade.
