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

该研究项目寻求资金用于开发用于COVID-19检测的3D打印鼻咽拭子的最佳设计。考虑到最近COVID-19大流行所突出的需求，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，为了推向市场并用于临床，NP拭子在收集的样品的质量和数量、患者不适和有限的机械稳定性方面仍然受到各种限制。在这里，我们建议开发数值模拟，以改善当前的NP拭子设计功能，以优化样本采集。该优化将考虑粘液流变学特性和在NP拭子运动以进行样本采集期间产生的粘膜上的局部应力。模拟，而不是实验是理想的，以执行这种优化，因为大的变化，粘液流变学和外貌的人口。这种大的可变性使得实验方法耗时且要求很高。这种优化设计将有利于加拿大的COVID-19管理，减少a）假阴性的数量，B）合格人员的风险和c）个人防护设备的相关使用。

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.