Prototype creators Make Origami HIV Testers

MAKO strongly believes in global innovative progression. When prototype creators build innovative material, it is always advantageous for inventions to be beneficial across the globe. In many countries, medical attention and equipment are often very limited due to the lack of resources. Testing for infectious diseases can be a heavy financial burden to those who can’t afford it. Our friends at the University of Texas, Austin, have taken a step towards improving the medical industry by creating a way for Malaria and HIV tests to be manufactured at extremely low costs. Hong Liu, a doctoral student, and Professor Richard Crooks, jointly created a sensor tester, revolutionizing Malaria and HIV Testing while making it affordable for patients. The prototype creators designed the Origami inspired Malaria and HIV tester with user friendly functions, similar to a pregnancy test. Liu is fascinated by the simplicity of the Japanese folding art of origami, therefore resulting in the Paper Analytical Device.

Prototype Creators at UT, Austin Make HIV Testing Affordable

Th folded 3D sensor can bring about substantial change to the medical industry in developing countries. These countries often have difficulty acquiring funding or receiving resources for their medical institutions. The sensor can detected substances such as sucrose to provide results for more detailed testing. These sensors are made to be easily transportable and simple to produce. Using a technique named photolithography and a couple of double sided tape, the prototype creators experimented with their design in a couple of ways. Liu created a tester that is on one single sheet that can be folded by the tip of your fingers. Similar to pregnancy test that generate results based on protein and glucose levels, the Origami inspired sensor detects various deceases according to the biomarker on the device. Patients simply have to urinate on the reagent embedded sensors, and fold the paper over. If the result displays one color, a disease is detected, if not then the patient is identified as healthy. .

The prototype creators have found a way for them to include a battery for tests that require power. The prototype that is made out of aluminum foil to detect glucose from the urine. Salt from the urine plays a significant role in activating the battery.

MAKO loves hearing about innovations that are all-encompassing such as this 3D folded Origami sensor. Being able to challenge conventional devices by producing innovative technology that disrupt an industry on a global scale is truly extraordinary!  We look forward to seeing the change that this device will bring to our world!

About: MAKO Design + Invent is the original firm providing world-class consumer product development services tailored to startups, small manufacturers, and inventors. Simply put, we are the leading one-stop-shop for developing your physical product from idea to store shelves, all in a high-quality, cost-effective, and timely manner. We operate as one powerhouse 30-person product design team spread across 4 offices to serve you (Austin, Miami, San Francisco, & Toronto). We have full-stack in-house industrial design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, patent referral, prototyping, and manufacturing services. To assist our startup and inventor clients, in addition to above, we help with business strategy, product strategy, marketing, and sales/distribution for all consumer product categories. Also, our founder Kevin Mako hosts The Product Startup Podcast, the industry's leading hardware podcast. Check it out for tips, interviews, and best practices for hardware startups, inventors, and product developers. Click HERE to learn more about MAKO Design + Invent!