Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI
VersiTube – The versatile platform for molecular rapid testing
Reliable diagnostics – anywhere, anytime
With VersiTube, the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI has developed a new class of compact diagnostic systems. For the first time, the platform combines molecular DNA amplification and instrument-free lateral flow detection in a single, completely sealed reaction vessel.
The result is a fast, safe, and user-friendly testing system that enables the detection of pathogens and contaminants right at the point of need – without a laboratory, specialized equipment, or risk of contamination.
Our vision: To make diagnostics available where they are needed most – in workplaces, clinics, and in the field.
How VersiTube works
The patented technology is based on isothermal DNA amplification (LAMP), which takes place in the same vessel where the subsequent lateral flow detection also occurs.
After the sample is added, the entire analysis process runs automatically:
- DNA amplification at a constant temperature
- Visual result detection via test and control lines
- No opening of the vessel during or after the reaction
This “all-in-one” integration prevents any cross-contamination and makes the test particularly safe and easy to handle. Results can be read with the naked eye in as little as 30 minutes.
From food hygiene to global health
Originally developed under the name CampyTube for the rapid detection of Campylobacter in poultry meat, the system has demonstrated outstanding performance in practical testing. VersiTube achieved 100 % specificity and 100 % sensitivity for hygienically relevant samples (above 1000 CFU/g) with a detection limit of just 60 gene copies per reaction. This research was funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture within the BMEL-Program to promote innovation (grant number 281C103A18).
The system’s high performance and simplicity open up new possibilities far beyond the food industry. As part of international collaborations, the Fraunhofer IZI has successfully applied the technology for on-site malaria diagnostics in clinical field studies in Benin (West Africa) — in cooperation with RoK Diagnostics, the Oriental Medical Center, the Bethesda Hospital, and the Blood Health Unit (BHU).
This application demonstrates VersiTube’s potential as a universal platform for the rapid detection of a wide range of infectious agents — even in regions with limited laboratory infrastructure.
The project in Africa was supported by the "Hospital Partnerships" program of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH which promotes international cooperation in healthcare.