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Guo Y, Zhang X, Zhang H, Liu Y, Shi J, Meng H, Chen X, Lan Q, Zhu B. Application of microfluidic technologies in forensic analysis. Electrophoresis 2023; 44:1725-1743. [PMID: 37857551 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202200268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The application of microfluidic technology in forensic medicine has steadily expanded over the last two decades due to the favorable features of low cost, rapidity, high throughput, user-friendliness, contamination-free, and minimum sample and reagent consumption. In this context, bibliometric methods were adopted to visualize the literature information contained in the Science Citation Index Expanded from 1989 to 2022, focusing on the co-occurrence analysis of forensic and microfluidic topics. A deep interpretation of the literature was conducted based on co-occurrence results, in which microfluidic technologies and their applications in forensic medicine, particularly forensic genetics, were elaborated. The purpose of this review is to provide an impartial evaluation of the utilization of microfluidic technology in forensic medicine. Additionally, the challenges and future trends of implementing microfluidic technology in forensic genetics are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
- Clinical Research Center of Shaanxi Province for Dental and Maxillofacial Diseases, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Xingru Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
- Clinical Research Center of Shaanxi Province for Dental and Maxillofacial Diseases, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Haoqing Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Yaoshun Liu
- Ankang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ankang, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Jianfeng Shi
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
- Clinical Research Center of Shaanxi Province for Dental and Maxillofacial Diseases, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Haotian Meng
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
- Clinical Research Center of Shaanxi Province for Dental and Maxillofacial Diseases, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Xin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
- Clinical Research Center of Shaanxi Province for Dental and Maxillofacial Diseases, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Qiong Lan
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
- Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Bofeng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
- Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
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Hsieh K, Melendez JH, Gaydos CA, Wang TH. Bridging the gap between development of point-of-care nucleic acid testing and patient care for sexually transmitted infections. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:476-511. [PMID: 35048928 PMCID: PMC9035340 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00665g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The incidence rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including the four major curable STIs - chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and, syphilis - continue to increase globally, causing medical cost burden and morbidity especially in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). There have seen significant advances in diagnostic testing, but commercial antigen-based point-of-care tests (POCTs) are often insufficiently sensitive and specific, while near-point-of-care (POC) instruments that can perform sensitive and specific nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are technically complex and expensive, especially for LMIC. Thus, there remains a critical need for NAAT-based STI POCTs that can improve diagnosis and curb the ongoing epidemic. Unfortunately, the development of such POCTs has been challenging due to the gap between researchers developing new technologies and healthcare providers using these technologies. This review aims to bridge this gap. We first present a short introduction of the four major STIs, followed by a discussion on the current landscape of commercial near-POC instruments for the detection of these STIs. We present relevant research toward addressing the gaps in developing NAAT-based STI POCT technologies and supplement this discussion with technologies for HIV and other infectious diseases, which may be adapted for STIs. Additionally, as case studies, we highlight the developmental trajectory of two different POCT technologies, including one approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Finally, we offer our perspectives on future development of NAAT-based STI POCT technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuangwen Hsieh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
| | - Johan H Melendez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Charlotte A Gaydos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Tza-Huei Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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Obande GA, Banga Singh KK. Current and Future Perspectives on Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification Technologies for Diagnosing Infections. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:455-483. [PMID: 32104017 PMCID: PMC7024801 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s217571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid amplification technology (NAAT) has assumed a critical position in disease diagnosis in recent times and contributed significantly to healthcare. Application of these methods has resulted in a more sensitive, accurate and rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases than older traditional methods like culture-based identification. NAAT such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is widely applied but seldom available to resource-limited settings. Isothermal amplification (IA) methods provide a rapid, sensitive, specific, simpler and less expensive procedure for detecting nucleic acid from samples. However, not all of these IA techniques find regular applications in infectious diseases diagnosis. Disease diagnosis and treatment could be improved, and the rapidly increasing problem of antimicrobial resistance reduced, with improvement, adaptation, and application of isothermal amplification methods in clinical settings, especially in developing countries. This review centres on some isothermal techniques that have found documented applications in infectious diseases diagnosis, highlighting their principles, development, strengths, setbacks and imminent potentials for use at points of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godwin Attah Obande
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Federal University Lafia, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
| | - Kirnpal Kaur Banga Singh
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Garg N, Boyle D, Randall A, Teng A, Pablo J, Liang X, Camerini D, Lee AP. Rapid immunodiagnostics of multiple viral infections in an acoustic microstreaming device with serum and saliva samples. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:1524-1533. [PMID: 30806409 PMCID: PMC6478527 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc01303a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing need to screen multiple infections simultaneously rather than diagnosis of one pathogen at a time in order to improve the quality of healthcare while saving initial screening time and reduce costs. This is the first demonstration of a five-step protein array assay for the multiplexed detection of HIV, HPV and HSV antibodies on an integrated microfluidic system. HIV, HPV and HSV reactive antibodies from both serum and saliva were rapidly detected by acoustic streaming-based mixing and pumping to enable an integrated, rapid and simple-to-use multiplexed assay device. We validated this device with 37 serum and saliva samples to verify reactivity of patient antibodies with HIV, HPV and HSV antigens. Our technology can be adapted with different protein microarrays to detect a variety of other infections, thus demonstrating a powerful platform to detect multiple putative protein biomarkers for rapid detection of infectious diseases. This integrated microfluidic protein array platform is the basis of a potent strategy to delay progression of primary infection, reduce the risk of co-infections and prevent onward transmission of infections by point-of-care detection of multiple pathogens in both serum and oral fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Garg
- Henry Samueli School of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Center for Advanced Design and Manufacturing of Integrated Microfluidics (CADMIM), University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Dylan Boyle
- Henry Samueli School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Center for Advanced Design and Manufacturing of Integrated Microfluidics (CADMIM), University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | - Andy Teng
- Antigen Discovery Incorporated, Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | | | - David Camerini
- Antigen Discovery Incorporated, Irvine, CA, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Abraham P. Lee
- Henry Samueli School of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Henry Samueli School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Center for Advanced Design and Manufacturing of Integrated Microfluidics (CADMIM), University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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Li J, Macdonald J, von Stetten F. Review: a comprehensive summary of a decade development of the recombinase polymerase amplification. Analyst 2019; 144:31-67. [DOI: 10.1039/c8an01621f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
RPA is a versatile complement or replacement of PCR, and now is stepping into practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications
- IMTEK – Department of Microsystems Engineering
- University of Freiburg
- 79110 Freiburg
- Germany
| | - Joanne Macdonald
- Inflammation and Healing Research Cluster
- Genecology Research Centre
- School of Science and Engineering
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Australia
| | - Felix von Stetten
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications
- IMTEK – Department of Microsystems Engineering
- University of Freiburg
- 79110 Freiburg
- Germany
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Ereku LT, Mackay RE, Craw P, Naveenathayalan A, Stead T, Branavan M, Balachandran W. RPA using a multiplexed cartridge for low cost point of care diagnostics in the field. Anal Biochem 2018; 547:84-88. [PMID: 29447855 PMCID: PMC5884738 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2018.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A point of care device utilising Lab-on-a-Chip technologies that is applicable for biological pathogens was designed, fabricated and tested showing sample in to answer out capabilities. The purpose of the design was to develop a cartridge with the capability to perform nucleic acid extraction and purification from a sample using a chitosan membrane at an acidic pH. Waste was stored within the cartridge with the use of sodium polyacrylate to solidify or gelate the sample in a single chamber. Nucleic acid elution was conducted using the RPA amplification reagents (alkaline pH). Passive valves were used to regulate the fluid flow and a multiplexer was designed to distribute the fluid into six microchambers for amplification reactions. Cartridges were produced using soft lithography of silicone from 3D printed moulds, bonded to glass substrates. The isothermal technique, RPA is employed for amplification. This paper shows the results from two separate experiments: the first using the RPA control nucleic acid, the second showing successful amplification from Chlamydia Trachomatis. Endpoint analysis conducted for the RPA analysis was gel electrophoresis that showed 143 base pair DNA was amplified successfully for positive samples whilst negative samples did not show amplification. End point analysis for Chlamydia Trachomatis samples was fluorescence detection that showed successful detection of 1 copy/μL and 10 copies/μL spiked in a MES buffer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luck Tosan Ereku
- Centre for Electronic Systems Research, Electronic and Computer Engineering, CEDPS, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Ruth E Mackay
- Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, CEDPS, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK.
| | - Pascal Craw
- Oceans and Atmosphere Flagship, Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Angel Naveenathayalan
- Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, CEDPS, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Thomas Stead
- Centre for Electronic Systems Research, Electronic and Computer Engineering, CEDPS, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Manorharanehru Branavan
- Centre for Electronic Systems Research, Electronic and Computer Engineering, CEDPS, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Wamadeva Balachandran
- Centre for Electronic Systems Research, Electronic and Computer Engineering, CEDPS, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
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Abstract
Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is a highly sensitive and selective isothermal amplification technique, operating at 37-42°C, with minimal sample preparation and capable of amplifying as low as 1-10 DNA target copies in less than 20 min. It has been used to amplify diverse targets, including RNA, miRNA, ssDNA and dsDNA from a wide variety of organisms and samples. An ever increasing number of publications detailing the use of RPA are appearing and amplification has been carried out in solution phase, solid phase as well as in a bridge amplification format. Furthermore, RPA has been successfully integrated with different detection strategies, from end-point lateral flow strips to real-time fluorescent detection amongst others. This review focuses on the different methodologies and advances related to RPA technology, as well as highlighting some of the advantages and drawbacks of the technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Magriñá Lobato
- INTERFIBIO Consolidated Research Group, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Països Catalans, 26, 43007, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Ciara K O'Sullivan
- INTERFIBIO Consolidated Research Group, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Països Catalans, 26, 43007, Tarragona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Passeig Lluís Companys, 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
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Barreda-García S, Miranda-Castro R, de-Los-Santos-Álvarez N, Miranda-Ordieres AJ, Lobo-Castañón MJ. Helicase-dependent isothermal amplification: a novel tool in the development of molecular-based analytical systems for rapid pathogen detection. Anal Bioanal Chem 2017; 410:679-693. [PMID: 28932883 PMCID: PMC7079856 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-017-0620-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Highly sensitive testing of nucleic acids is essential to improve the detection of pathogens, which pose a major threat for public health worldwide. Currently available molecular assays, mainly based on PCR, have a limited utility in point-of-need control or resource-limited settings. Consequently, there is a strong interest in developing cost-effective, robust, and portable platforms for early detection of these harmful microorganisms. Since its description in 2004, isothermal helicase-dependent amplification (HDA) has been successfully applied in the development of novel molecular-based technologies for rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of viruses and bacteria. In this review, we highlight relevant analytical systems using this simple nucleic acid amplification methodology that takes place at a constant temperature and that is readily compatible with microfluidic technologies. Different strategies for monitoring HDA amplification products are described. In addition, we present technological advances for integrating sample preparation, HDA amplification, and detection. Future perspectives and challenges toward point-of-need use not only for clinical diagnosis but also in food safety testing and environmental monitoring are also discussed. Expanding the analytical toolbox for the detection of DNA sequences specific of pathogens with isothermal helicase dependent amplification (HDA) ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Barreda-García
- Departamento de Química Física y Analítica, Universidad de Oviedo, Julián Clavería 8, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Rebeca Miranda-Castro
- Departamento de Química Física y Analítica, Universidad de Oviedo, Julián Clavería 8, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Arturo J Miranda-Ordieres
- Departamento de Química Física y Analítica, Universidad de Oviedo, Julián Clavería 8, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - María Jesús Lobo-Castañón
- Departamento de Química Física y Analítica, Universidad de Oviedo, Julián Clavería 8, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
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A wireless point-of-care testing system for the detection of neuron-specific enolase with microfluidic paper-based analytical devices. Biosens Bioelectron 2017; 95:60-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Basha IHK, Ho ETW, Yousuff CM, Hamid NHB. Towards Multiplex Molecular Diagnosis-A Review of Microfluidic Genomics Technologies. MICROMACHINES 2017; 8:E266. [PMID: 30400456 PMCID: PMC6190060 DOI: 10.3390/mi8090266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Highly sensitive and specific pathogen diagnosis is essential for correct and timely treatment of infectious diseases, especially virulent strains, in people. Point-of-care pathogen diagnosis can be a tremendous help in managing disease outbreaks as well as in routine healthcare settings. Infectious pathogens can be identified with high specificity using molecular methods. A plethora of microfluidic innovations in recent years have now made it increasingly feasible to develop portable, robust, accurate, and sensitive genomic diagnostic devices for deployment at the point of care. However, improving processing time, multiplexed detection, sensitivity and limit of detection, specificity, and ease of deployment in resource-limited settings are ongoing challenges. This review outlines recent techniques in microfluidic genomic diagnosis and devices with a focus on integrating them into a lab on a chip that will lead towards the development of multiplexed point-of-care devices of high sensitivity and specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Hussain Kamal Basha
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia.
| | - Eric Tatt Wei Ho
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia.
| | - Caffiyar Mohamed Yousuff
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia.
| | - Nor Hisham Bin Hamid
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia.
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New nucleic acid testing devices to diagnose infectious diseases in resource-limited settings. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 36:1717-1731. [PMID: 28573472 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-017-3013-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Point-of-care diagnosis based on nucleic acid testing aims to incorporate all the analytical steps, from sample preparation to nucleic acid amplification and detection, in a single device. This device needs to provide a low-cost, robust, sensitive, specific, and easily readable analysis. Microfluidics has great potential for handling small volumes of fluids on a single platform. Microfluidic technology has recently been applied to paper, which is already used in low-cost lateral flow tests. Nucleic acid extraction from a biological specimen usually requires cell filtration and lysis on specific membranes, while affinity matrices, such as chitosan or polydiacetylene, are well suited to concentrating nucleic acids for subsequent amplification. Access to electricity is often difficult in resource-limited areas, so the amplification step needs to be equipment-free. Consequently, the reaction has to be isothermal to alleviate the need for a thermocycler. LAMP, NASBA, HDA, and RPA are examples of the technologies available. Nucleic acid detection techniques are currently based on fluorescence, colorimetry, or chemiluminescence. For point-of-care diagnostics, the results should be readable with the naked eye. Nowadays, interpretation and communication of results to health professionals could rely on a smartphone, used as a telemedicine device. The major challenge of creating an "all-in-one" diagnostic test involves the design of an optimal solution and a sequence for each analytical step, as well as combining the execution of all these steps on a single device. This review provides an overview of available materials and technologies which seem to be adapted to point-of-care nucleic acid-based diagnosis, in low-resource areas.
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