A review of reaction enhancement strategies for isothermal nucleic acid amplification reactions

Abstract

Isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques are used to detect a variety of molecules such as RNAs, DNAs and proteins. When compared to the gold standard polymerase chain reaction, isothermal methods are rapid and simple but often have lower specificity and sensitivity. In this review, we provide a summary of reaction additives and techniques that enhance the sensitivity, specificity, stability, robustness, or speed of isothermal nucleic acid amplification reactions used for sensing applications. We also provide the mechanism and purpose of each enhancement technique, which can provide guidance when selecting reaction additives to optimize novel isothermal amplification systems and assays.