Jason Ford

3D printed smart swab could alleviate COVID-19 test concerns

News

Potential swab shortages for COVID-19 tests could be avoided with a 3D printed self-adjusting smart swab developed at Wolverhampton University.

The team comprising Dr Arun Arjunan, John Robinson, Dr Ahmad Baroutaji and Suhaib Zahid from the School of Engineering has, for the first time, developed a one size fits all nasopharyngeal (the upper part of the throat behind the nose) swab using the concepts of mechanical meta-materials. This allows the 3D printed smart swab to navigate through the nasal cavity with less stress on the surrounding tissues.

Dr Arjunan told The Engineer that the first proof-of-concept prototype was developed using the surgical guide biomedical resin (FLSGAM01), which comply with ISO regulations 13485:2016 and 14971:2012 (later replaced by 14971:2019).

“The material is non-irritant, non-sensitiser, and non-cytotoxic,” he said via email. “This material is also suitable to be chemically disinfected using 70 per cent isopropyl alcohol.”

The choice of printer was informed by biocompatibility, accessibility, and affordability as it was agreed that the 3D printing technique and the material should make a critical impact globally.

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