Abstract
Measuring the colorimetric signals produced by the biospecific accumulation of colorimetric probes and recording the results is a key feature for next-generation paper-based rapid tests. Manual processing of these tests is time-consuming and prone to a loss of accuracy when interpreting faint and patchy signals. Proprietary, closed-source readers and software companies offering automated smartphone-based assay readings have both been criticized for interoperability issues. Here, we introduce a minimal reader prototype composed of open-source hardware and open-source software that has the benefits of automatic assay quantification while avoiding the interoperability issues associated with closed-source readers. An image-processing algorithm was developed to automate the selection of an optimal region of interest and measure the average pixel intensity. When used to quantify signals produced by lateral flow immunoassays for detecting antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, results obtained with the proposed algorithm were comparable to those obtained with a manual method but with the advantage of improving the precision and accuracy when quantifying small spots or faint and patchy signals.
Highlights
Colorimetric paper-based devices have become crucial tools for managing infectious diseases by allowing the rapid immunodetection of antigens, host antibodies, and inflammation biomarkers at the point of care (POC) [1–6]
An algorithm that automatically performs all the steps required for quantifying the pixel intensity in colorimetric paper-based immunosensor was introduced with a minimal reader
Results obtained with the automated method correlated well with the traditional approach based on manually selecting the region of interest and calculating
Summary
Colorimetric paper-based devices have become crucial tools for managing infectious diseases by allowing the rapid immunodetection of antigens, host antibodies, and inflammation biomarkers at the point of care (POC) [1–6] The key to this success lies in combining a paper-based microfluidic system with the outstanding specificity of antibody recognition elements and a signal transduction mechanism that can be interpreted by eye [7,8]. Faint color changes on the test strip can be nearly indistinguishable from the background substrate This is especially problematic for POC tests since different settings may have incomparable lighting environments that affect the interpretation of results. Measuring the colorimetric signal produced by the biospecific accumulation of colorimetric probes and recording the results can overcome these limitations [13] In many laboratories, this is achieved with reflective densitometry. This is typically performed by imaging the test, manually selecting the region of interest (ROI) within the colored spot, and measuring the average pixel intensity of a responsive
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.
