Abstract
Advances in microfluidics and the introduction of isothermal nucleic acid amplification assays have resulted in a range of solutions for nucleic acid amplification tests suited for point of care and field use. However, miniaturisation of instrumentation for such assays has not seen such rapid advances and fluorescence based assays still depend on complex, bulky and expensive optics such as fluorescence microscopes, photomultiplier tubes and sensitive lens assemblies. In this work we demonstrate a robust, low cost platform for isothermal nucleic acid amplification on a microfluidic device. Using easily obtainable materials and commercial off-the-shelf components, we show real time fluorescence detection using a low cost photodiode and operational amplifier without need for lenses. Temperature regulation on the device is achieved using a heater fabricated with standard printed circuit board fabrication methods. These facile construction methods allow fabrications at a cost compatible with widespread deployment to resource poor settings.
Highlights
For many infectious diseases, timely, accurate and rapid diagnosis coupled with prompt effective treatment may improve patient outcomes and reduce transmission through vulnerable populations.Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) offer sensitive and specific diagnosis often within 2 h, a fraction of the time taken for previous culture based methods
This paper describes the use of low-cost, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and manufacturing techniques which can be applied by a modestly equipped institution to build a low-cost device for isothermal NAAT testing
Whilst this is not a complete diagnostic solution it serves as an enabling technology to bring such devices to market at a lower cost
Summary
Accurate and rapid diagnosis coupled with prompt effective treatment may improve patient outcomes and reduce transmission through vulnerable populations. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) offer sensitive and specific diagnosis often within 2 h, a fraction of the time taken for previous culture based methods. NAATs have been increasingly translated from requiring trained personnel and complex, expensive laboratory infrastructure to truly integrated sample-to-answer diagnostics, which can be used at the point-of-care. Novel microfluidic technology, integrated with microelectronics and novel biotechnology will be the driving force, which will enable the benefits of NAAT to be realised in portable devices. The development and manufacture of accurate, portable and low cost, rapid NAAT testing devices requires novel and economical approaches
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
