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Kang BH, Jang KW, Yu ES, Jeong H, Jeong KH. Single-shot multi-channel plasmonic real-time polymerase chain reaction for multi-target point-of-care testing. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4701-4707. [PMID: 37823261 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00687e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Plasmonic nucleic acid amplification tests demand high-throughput and multi-target detection of infectious diseases as well as short turnaround time and small size for point-of-care molecular diagnostics. Here, we report a multi-channel plasmonic real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (mpRT-qPCR) assay for ultrafast and on-chip multi-target detection. The mpRT-qPCR system features two pairs of plasmonic thermocyclers for rapid nanostructure-driven amplification and microlens array fluorescence microscopes for in situ multi-color fluorescence quantification. Each channel shows a physical dimension of 32 mm, 75 mm, and 25 mm in width, length, and thickness. The ultrathin microscopes simultaneously capture four different fluorescence images from two PCR chambers of a single cartridge at a single shot exposure per PCR cycle of four different excitation light sources. The experimental results demonstrate a single assay result of high-throughput amplification and multi-target quantification for RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, nucleocapsid, and human ribonuclease P genes in SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection. The mpRT-PCR increases the number of tests four times over the single RT-PCR and exhibits a short detection time of 15 min for the four RT-PCR reactions. This point-of-care molecular diagnostic platform can reduce false negative results in clinical applications of virus detection and decentralize healthcare facilities with limited infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byoung-Hoon Kang
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
- KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology (KIHST), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Won Jang
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
- KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology (KIHST), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Sil Yu
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
- KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology (KIHST), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejeong Jeong
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
- KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology (KIHST), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Hun Jeong
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
- KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology (KIHST), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
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2
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Wang Y, Wang C, Zhou Z, Si J, Li S, Zeng Y, Deng Y, Chen Z. Advances in Simple, Rapid, and Contamination-Free Instantaneous Nucleic Acid Devices for Pathogen Detection. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:732. [PMID: 37504131 PMCID: PMC10377012 DOI: 10.3390/bios13070732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic pathogens invade the human body through various pathways, causing damage to host cells, tissues, and their functions, ultimately leading to the development of diseases and posing a threat to human health. The rapid and accurate detection of pathogenic pathogens in humans is crucial and pressing. Nucleic acid detection offers advantages such as higher sensitivity, accuracy, and specificity compared to antibody and antigen detection methods. However, conventional nucleic acid testing is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and requires sophisticated equipment and specialized medical personnel. Therefore, this review focuses on advanced nucleic acid testing systems that aim to address the issues of testing time, portability, degree of automation, and cross-contamination. These systems include extraction-free rapid nucleic acid testing, fully automated extraction, amplification, and detection, as well as fully enclosed testing and commercial nucleic acid testing equipment. Additionally, the biochemical methods used for extraction, amplification, and detection in nucleic acid testing are briefly described. We hope that this review will inspire further research and the development of more suitable extraction-free reagents and fully automated testing devices for rapid, point-of-care diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China
| | - Chengming Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Zhuzhou 412000, China
| | - Zepeng Zhou
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China
| | - Jiajia Si
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China
| | - Song Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China
| | - Yezhan Zeng
- School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China
| | - Yan Deng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China
| | - Zhu Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China
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3
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Yin J, Tong J, Li J, Shao G, Xie B, Zhuang J, Bi G, Mu Y. A portable, high-throughput real-time quantitative PCR device for point-of-care testing. Anal Biochem 2023:115200. [PMID: 37302776 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acids detection has become essential in the identification of many infectious diseases and tumors. Conventional qPCR instruments are not suitable for point-of-care Moreover, current miniaturized nucleic acid detection equipment has limited throughput and multiplex detection capabilities, typically allowing the detection of a limited number of samples. Here, we present an affordable, portable, and high-throughput nucleic acid detection device for point-of-care detection. This portable device is approximately 220×165×140 mm in size and about 3 kg in weight. It can provide stable and accurate temperature control and analyze two fluorescent signals (FAM and VIC) and run 16 samples simultaneously. As a proof of concept, we used the two purified DNA samples from Bordetella pertussis and Canine parvovirus and the results showed good linearity and coefficient of variation. Moreover, this portable device can detect as low as 10 copies and has good specificity. Therefore, our device can provide advantages in real-time diagnosis of high-throughput nucleic acid detection in the field, especially for resource-limited conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juxin Yin
- School of Information and Electrical Engineering, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310015, China
| | - Jizhi Tong
- School of Information and Electrical Engineering, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310015, China
| | - Jiale Li
- Research Centre for Analytical Instrumentation, Institute of Cyber-Systems and Control, State Key Laboratory of Industrial Control Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310027, China
| | - Guangye Shao
- Hang Zhou Techway Gene CO.LTD, Zhejiang Province, 310015, China
| | - Bo Xie
- Hang Zhou Techway Gene CO.LTD, Zhejiang Province, 310015, China
| | - Jianjian Zhuang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Cancer Center, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| | - Gang Bi
- School of Information and Electrical Engineering, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310015, China.
| | - Ying Mu
- Research Centre for Analytical Instrumentation, Institute of Cyber-Systems and Control, State Key Laboratory of Industrial Control Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310027, China.
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4
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Mumtaz Z, Rashid Z, Ali A, Arif A, Ameen F, AlTami MS, Yousaf MZ. Prospects of Microfluidic Technology in Nucleic Acid Detection Approaches. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:584. [PMID: 37366949 DOI: 10.3390/bios13060584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Conventional diagnostic techniques are based on the utilization of analyte sampling, sensing and signaling on separate platforms for detection purposes, which must be integrated to a single step procedure in point of care (POC) testing devices. Due to the expeditious nature of microfluidic platforms, the trend has been shifted toward the implementation of these systems for the detection of analytes in biochemical, clinical and food technology. Microfluidic systems molded with substances such as polymers or glass offer the specific and sensitive detection of infectious and noninfectious diseases by providing innumerable benefits, including less cost, good biological affinity, strong capillary action and simple process of fabrication. In the case of nanosensors for nucleic acid detection, some challenges need to be addressed, such as cellular lysis, isolation and amplification of nucleic acid before its detection. To avoid the utilization of laborious steps for executing these processes, advances have been deployed in this perspective for on-chip sample preparation, amplification and detection by the introduction of an emerging field of modular microfluidics that has multiple advantages over integrated microfluidics. This review emphasizes the significance of microfluidic technology for the nucleic acid detection of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The implementation of isothermal amplification in conjunction with the lateral flow assay greatly increases the binding efficiency of nanoparticles and biomolecules and improves the limit of detection and sensitivity. Most importantly, the deployment of paper-based material made of cellulose reduces the overall cost. Microfluidic technology in nucleic acid testing has been discussed by explicating its applications in different fields. Next-generation diagnostic methods can be improved by using CRISPR/Cas technology in microfluidic systems. This review concludes with the comparison and future prospects of various microfluidic systems, detection methods and plasma separation techniques used in microfluidic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilwa Mumtaz
- KAM School of Life Sciences, Forman Christian College University, Ferozpur Road, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
| | - Zubia Rashid
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi 1227788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ashaq Ali
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety MegaScience, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Afsheen Arif
- Karachi Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Fuad Ameen
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Suad University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona S AlTami
- Biology Department, College of Science, Qassim University, Burydah 52571, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Zubair Yousaf
- KAM School of Life Sciences, Forman Christian College University, Ferozpur Road, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
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5
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Sun K, Whiteside B, Hebda M, Fan Y, Zhang Y, Xie Y, Liang K. A low-cost and hand-hold PCR microdevice based on water-cooling technology. Biomed Microdevices 2023; 25:12. [PMID: 36933064 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-023-00652-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has become a powerful tool for detecting various diseases due to its high sensitivity and specificity. However, the long thermocycling time and the bulky system have limited the application of PCR devices in Point-of-care testing. Herein, we have proposed an efficient, low-cost, and hand-hold PCR microdevice, mainly including a control module based on water-cooling technology and an amplification module fabricated by 3D printing. The whole device is tiny and can be easily hand-held with a size of about 110 mm × 100 mm × 40 mm and a weight of about 300 g at a low cost of about $170.83. Based on the water-cooling technology, the device can efficiently perform 30 thermal cycles within 46 min at a heating/cooling rate of 4.0/8.1 ℃/s. To test our instrument, plasmid DNA dilutions were amplified with this device; the results demonstrate successful nucleic acid amplification of the plasmid DNA and exhibit the promise of this device for Point-of-care testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixin Sun
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ben Whiteside
- Faculty of Engineering and informatics, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Michael Hebda
- Faculty of Engineering and informatics, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Yiqiang Fan
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yajun Zhang
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yumeng Xie
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - KunMing Liang
- LK Injection Molding Machine Co., LTD, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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6
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Ngo HT, Jin M, Trick AY, Chen FE, Chen L, Hsieh K, Wang TH. Sensitive and Quantitative Point-of-Care HIV Viral Load Quantification from Blood Using a Power-Free Plasma Separation and Portable Magnetofluidic Polymerase Chain Reaction Instrument. Anal Chem 2023; 95:1159-1168. [PMID: 36562405 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c03897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Point-of-care (POC) HIV viral load (VL) tests are needed to enhance access to HIV VL testing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and to enable HIV VL self-testing at home, which in turn have the potential to enhance the global management of the disease. While methods based on real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are highly sensitive and quantitatively accurate, they often require bulky and expensive instruments, making applications at the POC challenging. On the other hand, although methods based on isothermal amplification techniques could be performed using low-cost instruments, they have shown limited quantitative accuracies, i.e., being only semiquantitative. Herein, we present a sensitive and quantitative POC HIV VL quantification method from blood that can be performed using a small power-free three-dimensional-printed plasma separation device and a portable, low-cost magnetofluidic real-time RT-PCR instrument. The plasma separation device, which is composed of a plasma separation membrane and an absorbent material, demonstrated 96% plasma separation efficiency per 100 μL of whole blood. The plasma solution was then processed in a magnetofluidic cartridge for automated HIV RNA extraction and quantification using the portable instrument, which completed 50 cycles of PCR in 15 min. Using the method, we achieved a limit of detection of 500 HIV RNA copies/mL, which is below the World Health Organization's virological failure threshold, and a good quantitative accuracy. The method has the potential for sensitive and quantitative HIV VL testing at the POC and at home self-testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoan T Ngo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Mei Jin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Alexander Y Trick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Fan-En Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Liben Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Kuangwen Hsieh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Tza-Huei Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States.,Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
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7
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Dos-Reis-Delgado AA, Carmona-Dominguez A, Sosa-Avalos G, Jimenez-Saaib IH, Villegas-Cantu KE, Gallo-Villanueva RC, Perez-Gonzalez VH. Recent advances and challenges in temperature monitoring and control in microfluidic devices. Electrophoresis 2023; 44:268-297. [PMID: 36205631 PMCID: PMC10092670 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202200162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Temperature is a critical-yet sometimes overlooked-parameter in microfluidics. Microfluidic devices can experience heating inside their channels during operation due to underlying physicochemical phenomena occurring therein. Such heating, whether required or not, must be monitored to ensure adequate device operation. Therefore, different techniques have been developed to measure and control temperature in microfluidic devices. In this contribution, the operating principles and applications of these techniques are reviewed. Temperature-monitoring instruments revised herein include thermocouples, thermistors, and custom-built temperature sensors. Of these, thermocouples exhibit the widest operating range; thermistors feature the highest accuracy; and custom-built temperature sensors demonstrate the best transduction. On the other hand, temperature control methods can be classified as external- or integrated-methods. Within the external methods, microheaters are shown to be the most adequate when working with biological samples, whereas Peltier elements are most useful in applications that require the development of temperature gradients. In contrast, integrated methods are based on chemical and physical properties, structural arrangements, which are characterized by their low fabrication cost and a wide range of applications. The potential integration of these platforms with the Internet of Things technology is discussed as a potential new trend in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gerardo Sosa-Avalos
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo, León, Mexico
| | - Ivan H Jimenez-Saaib
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo, León, Mexico
| | - Karen E Villegas-Cantu
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo, León, Mexico
| | | | - Víctor H Perez-Gonzalez
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo, León, Mexico
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8
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Wang K, Sang B, He L, Guo Y, Geng M, Zheng D, Xu X, Wu W. Construction of dPCR and qPCR integrated system based on commercially available low-cost hardware. Analyst 2022; 147:3494-3503. [PMID: 35772342 DOI: 10.1039/d2an00694d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) and digital PCR (dPCR) are two mainstream nucleic acid quantification technologies. However, commercial dPCR and qPCR instruments have a low integration, a high price, and a large footprint. To solve these shortcomings, we introduce a compound PCR system with both qPCR and dPCR functions. All the hardware used in this compound PCR system is commercially available and low-cost, and free software was used to realize the absolute quantification of nucleic acids. The compound PCR provides two working modes. In the qPCR mode, thermal cycling is realized by controlling the reciprocating motion of the x axis. The heating rate is 1.25 °C s-1 and the cooling rate is 1.75 °C s-1. We performed amplification experiments of the PGEM-3zf (+)1 gene. The performance level was similar to commercial qPCR instruments. In the dPCR mode, the heating rate is 0.5 °C s-1 and the cooling rate is 0.6 °C s-1. We performed the UPE-Q gene amplification and used the sequential actions of the two-dimensional mechanical sliders to scan the reaction products and used the method of regional statistics and back-inference threshold to get test results. The result we got was 1208 copies per μL-1, which was similar to expectations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangning Wang
- Institute of biological and medical engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, China.
| | - Benliang Sang
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, China
| | - Limin He
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, China
| | - Yu Guo
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, China
| | - Mingkun Geng
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, China
| | - Dezhou Zheng
- College of Applied Physics and Materials, Wuyi University, China
| | - Xiaolong Xu
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, China
| | - Wenming Wu
- Institute of biological and medical engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, China.
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9
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Yang J, Cheng Y, Gong X, Yi S, Li CW, Jiang L, Yi C. An integrative review on the applications of 3D printing in the field of in vitro diagnostics. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2021.08.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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10
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Barthels F, Hammerschmidt SJ, Fischer TR, Zimmer C, Kallert E, Helm M, Kersten C, Schirmeister T. A low-cost 3D-printable differential scanning fluorometer for protein and RNA melting experiments. HARDWAREX 2022; 11:e00256. [PMID: 35509940 PMCID: PMC9058602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2022.e00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) is a widely used biophysical technique with applications to drug discovery and protein biochemistry. DSF experiments are commonly performed in commercial real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) thermal cyclers or nanoDSF instruments. Here, we report the construction, validation, and example applications of an open-source DSF system for 176 €, which, in addition to protein-DSF experiments, also proved to be a versatile biophysical instrument for less conventional RNA-DSF experiments. Using 3D-printed parts made of polyoxymethylene, we were able to fabricate a thermostable machine chassis for protein-melting experiments. The combination of blue high-power LEDs as the light source and stage light foil as filter components was proven to be a reliable and affordable alternative to conventional optics equipment for the detection of SYPRO Orange or Sybr Gold fluorescence. The ESP32 microcontroller is the core piece of this openDSF instrument, while the in-built I2S interface was found to be a powerful analog-to-digital converter for fast acquisition of fluorescence and temperature data. Airflow heating and inline temperature control by thermistors enabled high-accuracy temperature management in PCR tubes (±0.1 °C) allowing us to perform high-resolution thermal shift assays (TSA) from exemplary biological applications.
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11
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Vindeirinho JM, Pinho E, Azevedo NF, Almeida C. SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostics Based on Nucleic Acids Amplification: From Fundamental Concepts to Applications and Beyond. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:799678. [PMID: 35402302 PMCID: PMC8984495 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.799678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic ignited the development of countless molecular methods for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 based either on nucleic acid, or protein analysis, with the first establishing as the most used for routine diagnosis. The methods trusted for day to day analysis of nucleic acids rely on amplification, in order to enable specific SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection. This review aims to compile the state-of-the-art in the field of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) used for SARS-CoV-2 detection, either at the clinic level, or at the Point-Of-Care (POC), thus focusing on isothermal and non-isothermal amplification-based diagnostics, while looking carefully at the concerning virology aspects, steps and instruments a test can involve. Following a theme contextualization in introduction, topics about fundamental knowledge on underlying virology aspects, collection and processing of clinical samples pave the way for a detailed assessment of the amplification and detection technologies. In order to address such themes, nucleic acid amplification methods, the different types of molecular reactions used for DNA detection, as well as the instruments requested for executing such routes of analysis are discussed in the subsequent sections. The benchmark of paradigmatic commercial tests further contributes toward discussion, building on technical aspects addressed in the previous sections and other additional information supplied in that part. The last lines are reserved for looking ahead to the future of NAATs and its importance in tackling this pandemic and other identical upcoming challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- João M. Vindeirinho
- National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinarian Research (INIAV, I.P), Vairão, Portugal
- Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy (LEPABE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering (ALiCE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eva Pinho
- National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinarian Research (INIAV, I.P), Vairão, Portugal
- Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy (LEPABE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering (ALiCE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno F. Azevedo
- Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy (LEPABE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering (ALiCE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carina Almeida
- National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinarian Research (INIAV, I.P), Vairão, Portugal
- Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy (LEPABE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering (ALiCE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Carina Almeida,
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12
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Yeom D, Kim J, Kim S, Ahn S, Choi J, Kim Y, Koo C. A Thermocycler Using a Chip Resistor Heater and a Glass Microchip for a Portable and Rapid Microchip-Based PCR Device. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13020339. [PMID: 35208463 PMCID: PMC8876486 DOI: 10.3390/mi13020339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This study proposes a rapid and inexpensive thermocycler that enables rapid heating of samples using a thin glass chip and a cheap chip resistor to overcome the on-site diagnostic limitations of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Microchip PCR devices have emerged to miniaturize conventional PCR systems and reduce operation time and cost. In general, PCR microchips require a thin-film heater fabricated through a semiconductor process, which is a complicated process, resulting in high costs. Therefore, this investigation substituted a general chip resistor for a thin-film heater. The proposed thermocycler consists of a compact glass microchip of 12.5 mm × 12.5 mm × 2 mm that could hold a 2 μL PCR sample and a surface-mounted chip resistor of 6432 size (6.4 mm × 3.2 mm). Improving heat transfer from the chip resistor heater to the PCR reaction chamber in the microchip was accomplished via the design and fabrication of a three-dimensional chip structure using selective laser-induced etching, a rapid prototyping technique that allowed to be embedded. The fabricated PCR microchip was combined with a thermistor temperature sensor, a blower fan, and a microcontroller. The assembled thermocycler could heat the sample at a maximum rate of 28.8 °C/s per second. When compared with a commercially available PCR apparatus running the same PCR protocol, the total PCR operating time with a DNA sample was reduced by about 20%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsun Yeom
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Korea; (D.Y.); (J.K.)
| | - Jeongtae Kim
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Korea; (D.Y.); (J.K.)
| | - Sungil Kim
- Department of Laser and Electron Beam Application, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daejeon 34103, Korea; (S.K.); (S.A.); (J.C.)
| | - Sanghoon Ahn
- Department of Laser and Electron Beam Application, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daejeon 34103, Korea; (S.K.); (S.A.); (J.C.)
| | - Jiyeon Choi
- Department of Laser and Electron Beam Application, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daejeon 34103, Korea; (S.K.); (S.A.); (J.C.)
| | - Youngwook Kim
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Korea;
| | - Chiwan Koo
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Korea; (D.Y.); (J.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-42-821-1168
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13
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Ly VT, Baudin PV, Pansodtee P, Jung EA, Voitiuk K, Rosen YM, Willsey HR, Mantalas GL, Seiler ST, Selberg JA, Cordero SA, Ross JM, Rolandi M, Pollen AA, Nowakowski TJ, Haussler D, Mostajo-Radji MA, Salama SR, Teodorescu M. Picroscope: low-cost system for simultaneous longitudinal biological imaging. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1261. [PMID: 34737378 PMCID: PMC8569150 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02779-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Simultaneous longitudinal imaging across multiple conditions and replicates has been crucial for scientific studies aiming to understand biological processes and disease. Yet, imaging systems capable of accomplishing these tasks are economically unattainable for most academic and teaching laboratories around the world. Here, we propose the Picroscope, which is the first low-cost system for simultaneous longitudinal biological imaging made primarily using off-the-shelf and 3D-printed materials. The Picroscope is compatible with standard 24-well cell culture plates and captures 3D z-stack image data. The Picroscope can be controlled remotely, allowing for automatic imaging with minimal intervention from the investigator. Here, we use this system in a range of applications. We gathered longitudinal whole organism image data for frogs, zebrafish, and planaria worms. We also gathered image data inside an incubator to observe 2D monolayers and 3D mammalian tissue culture models. Using this tool, we can measure the behavior of entire organisms or individual cells over long-time periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria T Ly
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA.
| | - Pierre V Baudin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Pattawong Pansodtee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Erik A Jung
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Kateryna Voitiuk
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Yohei M Rosen
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Helen Rankin Willsey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Gary L Mantalas
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Spencer T Seiler
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - John A Selberg
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Sergio A Cordero
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Jayden M Ross
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Marco Rolandi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Alex A Pollen
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Tomasz J Nowakowski
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - David Haussler
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Mohammed A Mostajo-Radji
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Sofie R Salama
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA.
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA.
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14
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Multiple Compact Camera Fluorescence Detector for Real-Time PCR Devices. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21217013. [PMID: 34770319 PMCID: PMC8587052 DOI: 10.3390/s21217013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The polymerase chain reaction is an important technique in biological research because it tests for diseases with a small amount of DNA. However, this process is time consuming and can lead to sample contamination. Recently, real-time PCR techniques have emerged which make it possible to monitor the amplification process for each cycle in real time. Existing camera-based systems that measure fluorescence after DNA amplification simultaneously process fluorescence excitation and emission for dozens of tubes. Therefore, there is a limit to the size, cost, and assembly of the optical element. In recent years, imaging devices for high-performance, open platforms have benefitted from significant innovations. In this paper, we propose a fluorescence detector for real-time PCR devices using an open platform camera. This system can reduce the cost, and can be miniaturized. To simplify the optical system, four low-cost, compact cameras were used. In addition, the field of view of the entire tube was minimized by dividing it into quadrants. An effective image processing method was used to compensate for the reduction in the signal-to-noise ratio. Using a reference fluorescence material, it was confirmed that the proposed system enables stable fluorescence detection according to the amount of DNA.
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15
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Cost-Effective Multiplex Fluorescence Detection System for PCR Chip. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21216945. [PMID: 34770252 PMCID: PMC8588286 DOI: 10.3390/s21216945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The lack of portability and high cost of multiplex real-time PCR systems limits the device to be used in POC. To overcome this issue, this paper proposes a compact and cost-effective fluorescence detection system that can be integrated to a multiplex real-time PCR equipment. An open platform camera with embedded lens was used instead of photodiodes or an industrial camera. A compact filter wheel using a sliding tape is integrated, and the excitation LEDs are fixed at a 45° angle near the PCR chip, eliminating the need of additional filter wheels. The results show precise positioning of the filter wheel with an error less than 20 μm. Fluorescence detection results using a reference dye and standard DNA amplification showed comparable performance to that of the photodiode system.
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16
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Buultjens AH, Vandelannoote K, Sharkey LK, Howden BP, Monk IR, Lee JYH, Stinear TP. Low-Cost, Open-Source Device for High-Performance Fluorescence Detection of Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification Reactions. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:4982-4990. [PMID: 34521204 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The ability to detect SARS-CoV-2 is critical to implementing evidence-based strategies to address the COVID-19 global pandemic. Expanding SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic ability beyond well-equipped laboratories widens the opportunity for surveillance and control efforts. However, such advances are predicated on the availability of rapid, scalable, accessible, yet high-performance diagnostic platforms. Methods to detect viral RNA using reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) show promise as rapid and field-deployable tests; however, the per-unit costs of the required diagnostic hardware can be a barrier for scaled deployment. Here, we describe a diagnostic hardware configuration for LAMP technology, named the FABL-8, that can be built for approximately US$380 per machine and provide results in under 30 min. Benchmarking showed that FABL-8 has a similar performance to a high-end commercial instrument for detecting fluorescence-based LAMP reactions. Performance testing of the instrument with RNA extracted from a SARS-CoV-2 virus dilution series revealed an analytical detection sensitivity of 50 virus copies per microliter-a detection threshold suitable to detect patient viral load in the first few days following symptom onset. In addition to the detection of SARS-CoV-2, we show that the system can be used to detect the presence of two bacterial pathogens, demonstrating the versatility of the platform for the detection of other pathogens. This cost-effective and scalable hardware alternative allows democratization of the instrumentation required for high-performance molecular diagnostics, such that it could be available to laboratories anywhere-supporting infectious diseases surveillance and research activities in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Buultjens
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia
| | - Koen Vandelannoote
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liam K Sharkey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin P Howden
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Level 1, The University of Melbourne at The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia.,Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Austin Hospital, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian R Monk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jean Y H Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash Health, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia
| | - Timothy P Stinear
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia.,Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia
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17
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Dong X, Liu L, Tu Y, Zhang J, Miao G, Zhang L, Ge S, Xia N, Yu D, Qiu X. Rapid PCR powered by microfluidics: A quick review under the background of COVID-19 pandemic. Trends Analyt Chem 2021; 143:116377. [PMID: 34188341 PMCID: PMC8223007 DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2021.116377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PCR has been widely used in different fields including molecular biology, pathogen detection, medical diagnosis, food detection and etc. However, the difficulty of promoting PCR in on-site point-of-care testing reflects on challenges relative to its speed, convenience, complexity, and even cost. With the emerging state-of-art of microfluidics, rapid PCR can be achieved with more flexible ways in micro-reactors. PCR plays a critical role in the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Under this special background of COVID-19 pandemic, this review focuses on the latest rapid microfluidic PCR. Rapid PCR is concluded in two main features, including the reactor (type, size, material) and the implementation of thermal cycling. Especially, the compromise between speed and sensitivity with microfluidic PCR is explored based on the system ratio of (thermal cycling time)/(reactor size). Representative applications about the detection of pathogens and SARS-CoV-2 viruses based on rapid PCR or other isothermal amplification are discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Dong
- Institute of Microfluidic Chip Development in Biomedical Engineering, College of Information Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Luyao Liu
- Institute of Microfluidic Chip Development in Biomedical Engineering, College of Information Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yunping Tu
- Institute of Microfluidic Chip Development in Biomedical Engineering, College of Information Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Microfluidic Chip Development in Biomedical Engineering, College of Information Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Guijun Miao
- Institute of Microfluidic Chip Development in Biomedical Engineering, College of Information Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- Institute of Microfluidic Chip Development in Biomedical Engineering, College of Information Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Shengxiang Ge
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Duli Yu
- Institute of Microfluidic Chip Development in Biomedical Engineering, College of Information Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xianbo Qiu
- Institute of Microfluidic Chip Development in Biomedical Engineering, College of Information Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
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18
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Wu X, Pan J, Zhu X, Hong C, Hu A, Zhu C, Liu Y, Yang K, Zhu L. MS 2 device: smartphone-facilitated mobile nucleic acid analysis on microfluidic device. Analyst 2021; 146:3823-3833. [PMID: 34121097 DOI: 10.1039/d1an00367d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mobile sensing based on the integration of microfluidic devices and smartphones, so-called MS2 technology, has enabled many applications over recent years and continues to stimulate growing interest in both research communities and industries. In particular, MS2 technology has been proven to be able to be applied to molecular diagnostic analysis and can be implemented for basic research and clinical testing. However, the currently reported MS2-based nucleic acid analysis system has limited use in practical applications, because it is not integrated with quantitative PCR, multiplex PCR, and isothermal amplification functions, and lacks temperature control, image acquisition and real-time processing units with excellent performance. To provide a more universal and powerful platform, we here developed a novel MS2 device by integrating a thermocycler, a multi fluorescence detection unit, a PCR chip, an isothermal chip, and a smartphone. The MS2 device was approximately 325 mm (L) × 200 mm (W) × 200 mm (H) in volume and only 5 kg in weight, and showed an average power consumption of about 38.4 W. The entire nucleic acid amplification and analysis could be controlled through a self-made smartphone App. The maximum heating and cooling rates were 5 °C s-1 and 4 °C s-1, respectively. The entire PCR could be completed within 65 min. The temperature uniformity was less than 0.1 °C. Besides, the temperature stability over time (30 min) was within ±0.04 °C. Four optical channels were integrated (FAM, HEX, TAMRA, and ROX) on the MS2 device. In particular, the PCR-based detection sensitivity reached 1 copy per μL, and the amplification efficiency was calculated to be 106.8%. Besides, the MS2 device also was compatible with multiplex PCR and isothermal amplification. In short, the MS2 device showed performance consistent with that of traditional commercial equipment. Thus, the MS2 device provides an easy and integrated experimental platform for molecular diagnostic-related research and potential medical diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosong Wu
- Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, PR China. and University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, JinZhai Road Baohe District, Hefei 230026, PR China
| | - Jingyu Pan
- Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, PR China.
| | - Xinchao Zhu
- Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, PR China. and University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, JinZhai Road Baohe District, Hefei 230026, PR China
| | - Chenggang Hong
- Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, PR China.
| | - Anzhong Hu
- Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, PR China.
| | - Cancan Zhu
- Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, PR China.
| | - Yong Liu
- Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, PR China.
| | - Ke Yang
- Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, PR China.
| | - Ling Zhu
- Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, PR China.
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Tonelli A, Mangia V, Candiani A, Pasquali F, Mangiaracina TJ, Grazioli A, Sozzi M, Gorni D, Bussolati S, Cucinotta A, Basini G, Selleri S. Sensing Optimum in the Raw: Leveraging the Raw-Data Imaging Capabilities of Raspberry Pi for Diagnostics Applications. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21103552. [PMID: 34065190 PMCID: PMC8160707 DOI: 10.3390/s21103552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Single-board computers (SBCs) and microcontroller boards (MCBs) are extensively used nowadays as prototyping platforms to accomplish innovative tasks. Very recently, implementations of these devices for diagnostics applications are rapidly gaining ground for research and educational purposes. Among the available solutions, Raspberry Pi represents one of the most used SBCs. In the present work, two setups based on Raspberry Pi and its CMOS-based camera (a 3D-printed device and an adaptation of a commercial product named We-Lab) were investigated as diagnostic instruments. Different camera elaboration processes were investigated, showing how direct access to the 10-bit raw data acquired from the sensor before downstream imaging processes could be beneficial for photometric applications. The developed solution was successfully applied to the evaluation of the oxidative stress using two commercial kits (d-ROM Fast; PAT). We suggest the analysis of raw data applied to SBC and MCB platforms in order to improve results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Tonelli
- DNAPhone S.R.L., Viale Mentana 150, 43121 Parma, Italy; (A.T.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.P.); (T.J.M.); (A.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Veronica Mangia
- DNAPhone S.R.L., Viale Mentana 150, 43121 Parma, Italy; (A.T.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.P.); (T.J.M.); (A.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Alessandro Candiani
- DNAPhone S.R.L., Viale Mentana 150, 43121 Parma, Italy; (A.T.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.P.); (T.J.M.); (A.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Francesco Pasquali
- DNAPhone S.R.L., Viale Mentana 150, 43121 Parma, Italy; (A.T.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.P.); (T.J.M.); (A.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Tiziana Jessica Mangiaracina
- DNAPhone S.R.L., Viale Mentana 150, 43121 Parma, Italy; (A.T.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.P.); (T.J.M.); (A.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Alessandro Grazioli
- DNAPhone S.R.L., Viale Mentana 150, 43121 Parma, Italy; (A.T.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.P.); (T.J.M.); (A.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Michele Sozzi
- DNAPhone S.R.L., Viale Mentana 150, 43121 Parma, Italy; (A.T.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.P.); (T.J.M.); (A.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Davide Gorni
- H&D S.R.L., Strada Langhirano 264/1a, 43124 Parma, Italy;
| | - Simona Bussolati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.B.); (G.B.)
| | - Annamaria Cucinotta
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria e Architettura, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 181/A, 43124 Parma, Italy;
| | - Giuseppina Basini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.B.); (G.B.)
| | - Stefano Selleri
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria e Architettura, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 181/A, 43124 Parma, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-052-190-5763
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20
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Shu B, Lin L, Wu B, Huang E, Wang Y, Li Z, He H, Lei X, Xu B, Liu D. A pocket-sized device automates multiplexed point-of-care RNA testing for rapid screening of infectious pathogens. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 181:113145. [PMID: 33752027 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Rapid screening of infectious pathogens at the point-of-care (POC) is ideally low-cost, portable, easy to use, and capable of multiplex detection with high sensitivity. However, satisfying all these features in a single device without compromise remains a challenging task. Here, we introduce an ultraportable, automated RNA amplification testing device that allows rapid screening of infectious pathogens from clinical samples. In this device, 3D-printed structural parts incorporated with off-the-shelf mechanic/electronic components are utilized to create an inexpensive and automated droplet manipulation platform. On this platform, a simple configuration that couples a linear displacement of the chip with a tunable magnet array allows parallel and versatile droplet operations, including mixing, splitting, transporting, and merging. By exploiting a multi-channel droplet array chip to preload necessary reagents in "water-in-oil" format, bacteria lysis, RNA extraction and amplification are seamlessly integrated and implemented by the combination of droplet operations. Furthermore, visual readout and geometrically-multiplexed quantitative detection are provided by an integrated wireless video camera-enabled wide-field fluorescence imaging. We demonstrated that this droplet-based device could have a shorter RNA extraction time (12 min) and lower detection limits for pathogenic RNA (approaching to 102 copies per reaction). We also verified its clinical applicability for the rapid screening of four sexually transmitted pathogens from urine specimens. Results show that the sample-to-answer assay could be completed in approximately 42 min, with 100% concordance with the laboratory-based molecular testing. The exhibiting features may render this microdevice an easily accessible POC molecular diagnostic platform for infectious disease, especially in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Shu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China; Clinical Molecular Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis Key Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510180, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Microfluidic Chip Medical Diagnosis, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China; Clinical Molecular Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis Key Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510180, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Microfluidic Chip Medical Diagnosis, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Enqi Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China; Clinical Molecular Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis Key Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510180, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Microfluidic Chip Medical Diagnosis, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Zhujun Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Haoyan He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Xiuxia Lei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China; Clinical Molecular Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis Key Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Banglao Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510180, China; Clinical Molecular Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis Key Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510180, China.
| | - Dayu Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510180, China; Clinical Molecular Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis Key Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510180, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Microfluidic Chip Medical Diagnosis, Guangzhou, 510180, China.
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21
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Lee D, Kim D, Han J, Yun J, Lee KH, Kim GM, Kwon O, Lee J. Integrated, Automated, Fast PCR System for Point-Of-Care Molecular Diagnosis of Bacterial Infection. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21020377. [PMID: 33430443 PMCID: PMC7827619 DOI: 10.3390/s21020377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We developed an integrated PCR system that performs automated sample preparation and fast polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for application in point-of care (POC) testing. This system is assembled from inexpensive 3D-printing parts, off-the-shelf electronics and motors. Molecular detection requires a series of procedures including sample preparation, amplification, and fluorescence intensity analysis. The system can perform automated DNA sample preparation (extraction, separation and purification) in ≤5 min. The variance of the automated sample preparation was clearly lower than that achieved using manual DNA extraction. Fast thermal ramp cycles were generated by a customized thermocycler designed to automatically transport samples between heating and cooling blocks. Despite the large sample volume (50 μL), rapid two-step PCR amplification completed 40 cycles in ≤13.8 min. Variations in fluorescence intensity were measured by analyzing fluorescence images. As proof of concept of this system, we demonstrated the rapid DNA detection of pathogenic bacteria. We also compared the sensitivity of this system with that of a commercial device during the automated extraction and fast PCR of Salmonella bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongkyu Lee
- Daegu Research Center for Medical Devices, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daegu 42994, Korea; (D.L.); (D.K.); (J.H.); (J.Y.); (K.-H.L.)
| | - Deawook Kim
- Daegu Research Center for Medical Devices, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daegu 42994, Korea; (D.L.); (D.K.); (J.H.); (J.Y.); (K.-H.L.)
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea;
| | - Jounghyuk Han
- Daegu Research Center for Medical Devices, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daegu 42994, Korea; (D.L.); (D.K.); (J.H.); (J.Y.); (K.-H.L.)
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea;
| | - Jongsu Yun
- Daegu Research Center for Medical Devices, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daegu 42994, Korea; (D.L.); (D.K.); (J.H.); (J.Y.); (K.-H.L.)
| | - Kang-Ho Lee
- Daegu Research Center for Medical Devices, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daegu 42994, Korea; (D.L.); (D.K.); (J.H.); (J.Y.); (K.-H.L.)
| | - Gyu Man Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea;
| | - Ohwon Kwon
- Daegu Research Center for Medical Devices, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daegu 42994, Korea; (D.L.); (D.K.); (J.H.); (J.Y.); (K.-H.L.)
- Correspondence: (O.K.); (J.L.)
| | - Jaejong Lee
- Nano-Mechanical Systems, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), Daejeon 34103, Korea
- Correspondence: (O.K.); (J.L.)
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22
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Nguyen HV, Nguyen VD, Liu F, Seo TS. An Integrated Smartphone-Based Genetic Analyzer for Qualitative and Quantitative Pathogen Detection. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:22208-22214. [PMID: 32923778 PMCID: PMC7482303 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c02317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The use of the smartphone is an ideal platform to realize the future point-of-care (POC) diagnostic system. Herein, we propose an integrated smartphone-based genetic analyzer. It consists of a smartphone and an integrated genetic analysis unit (i-Gene), in which the power of the smartphone was utilized for heating the gene amplification reaction, and the camera function was used for imaging the colorimetric change of the reaction for quantitative and multiplex foodborne pathogens. The housing of i-Gene was fabricated by using a 3D printer, which was equipped with a macro lens, white LEDs, a disposable microfluidic chip for loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), a thin-film heater, and a power booster. The i-Gene was installed on the iPhone in alignment with a camera. The LAMP mixture for Eriochrome Black T (EBT) colorimetric detection was injected into the LAMP chip to identify Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The proportional-integral-derivative controller-embedded film heater was powered by a 5.0 V power bank to maintain 63 °C for the LAMP reaction. When the LAMP proceeded, the color was changed from violet to blue, which was real-time monitored by the smartphone complementary metal oxide semiconductor camera. The images were transported to the desktop computer via Wi-Fi. The quantitative LAMP profiles were obtained by plotting the ratio of green/red intensity versus the reaction time. We could identify E. coli O157:H7 with a limit of detection of 101 copies/μL within 60 min. Our proposed smartphone-based genetic analyzer offers a portable, simple, rapid, and cost-effective POC platform for future diagnostic markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hau Van Nguyen
- Kyung
Hee University - Global Campus, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do 446-701, South Korea
| | - Van Dan Nguyen
- Kyung
Hee University - Global Campus, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do 446-701, South Korea
| | - Fei Liu
- School
of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Xueyugn Road #270, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, P.R. China
| | - Tae Seok Seo
- Kyung
Hee University - Global Campus, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do 446-701, South Korea
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23
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Chaijarasphong T, Munkongwongsiri N, Stentiford GD, Aldama-Cano DJ, Thansa K, Flegel TW, Sritunyalucksana K, Itsathitphaisarn O. The shrimp microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP): Biology, pathology, diagnostics and control. J Invertebr Pathol 2020; 186:107458. [PMID: 32882232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Disease is a major limiting factor in the global production of cultivated shrimp. The microsporidian parasite Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) was formally characterized in 2009 as a rare infection of the black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon. It remained relatively unstudied until mid-2010, after which infection with EHP became increasingly common in the Pacific whiteleg shrimp Penaeus vannamei, by then the most common shrimp species farmed in Asia. EHP infects the hepatopancreas of its host, causing hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis (HPM), a condition that has been associated with slow growth of the host in aquaculture settings. Unlike other infectious disease agents that have caused economic losses in global shrimp aquaculture, EHP has proven more challenging because too little is still known about its environmental reservoirs and modes of transmission during the industrial shrimp production process. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the EHP life cycle and the molecular strategies that it employs as an obligate intracellular parasite. It also provides an analysis of available and new methodologies for diagnosis since most of the current literature on EHP focuses on that topic. We summarize current knowledge of EHP infection and transmission dynamics and currently recommended, practical control measures that are being applied to limit its negative impact on shrimp cultivation. We also point out the major gaps in knowledge that urgently need to be bridged in order to improve control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thawatchai Chaijarasphong
- Center of Excellence for Shrimp Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Centex Shrimp), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Rd., Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Rd., Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Natthinee Munkongwongsiri
- Aquatic Animal Health Research Team (AQHT), Integrative Aquaculture Biotechnology, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Yothi Office, Rama VI Rd., Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Grant D Stentiford
- International Centre of Excellence for Aquatic Animal Health, Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK; Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures, University of Exeter, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Diva J Aldama-Cano
- Center of Excellence for Shrimp Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Centex Shrimp), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Rd., Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Aquatic Animal Health Research Team (AQHT), Integrative Aquaculture Biotechnology, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Yothi Office, Rama VI Rd., Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Kwanta Thansa
- Aquatic Animal Health Research Team (AQHT), Integrative Aquaculture Biotechnology, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Yothi Office, Rama VI Rd., Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Timothy W Flegel
- Center of Excellence for Shrimp Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Centex Shrimp), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Rd., Bangkok 10400, Thailand; National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Thailand Science Park (TSP), Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Kallaya Sritunyalucksana
- Aquatic Animal Health Research Team (AQHT), Integrative Aquaculture Biotechnology, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Yothi Office, Rama VI Rd., Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Ornchuma Itsathitphaisarn
- Center of Excellence for Shrimp Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Centex Shrimp), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Rd., Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Rd., Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
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24
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Abstract
With the rapid development of high technology, chemical science is not as it used to be a century ago. Many chemists acquire and utilize skills that are well beyond the traditional definition of chemistry. The digital age has transformed chemistry laboratories. One aspect of this transformation is the progressing implementation of electronics and computer science in chemistry research. In the past decade, numerous chemistry-oriented studies have benefited from the implementation of electronic modules, including microcontroller boards (MCBs), single-board computers (SBCs), professional grade control and data acquisition systems, as well as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In particular, MCBs and SBCs provide good value for money. The application areas for electronic modules in chemistry research include construction of simple detection systems based on spectrophotometry and spectrofluorometry principles, customizing laboratory devices for automation of common laboratory practices, control of reaction systems (batch- and flow-based), extraction systems, chromatographic and electrophoretic systems, microfluidic systems (classical and nonclassical), custom-built polymerase chain reaction devices, gas-phase analyte detection systems, chemical robots and drones, construction of FPGA-based imaging systems, and the Internet-of-Chemical-Things. The technology is easy to handle, and many chemists have managed to train themselves in its implementation. The only major obstacle in its implementation is probably one's imagination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurpur Rakesh D Prabhu
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan.,Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Road, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Pawel L Urban
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan.,Frontier Research Center on Fundamental and Applied Sciences of Matters, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
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25
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Frazer JS, Shard A, Herdman J. Involvement of the open-source community in combating the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic: a review. J Med Eng Technol 2020; 44:169-176. [PMID: 32401550 DOI: 10.1080/03091902.2020.1757772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented in the modern age both due to its scale and its disruption to daily life throughout the world. Widespread social isolation and restrictions in the age of modern communicative technology, coupled with some early successes for makers, have united the open-source community towards a common goal in a way not previously seen. Local hospitals and care facilities are turning to makers to print essential consumable parts, such as simple visors, while in the hardest hit areas, critical pieces of medical technology are being fabricated. While important and effective innovations are appearing almost daily, there are also some worrying trends towards hobbyists attempting manufacture of complex medical devices with little understanding of the clinical or scientific rationale behind their design. The nature of the open-source community, an area of intensive innovation, fluidity, and experimentation, jars with the exacting standards of medical device regulation. Here, we review the involvement of rapid prototyping and the open-source community in the key areas of personal protective equipment (PPE), diagnostics, critical care technology, and information acquisition and sharing, highlighting where makers and hackers have clashed with medical device regulations, and areas where the system has worked well to facilitate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Scott Frazer
- Somerville College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Buckinghamshire Healthcare, NHS Trust, Aylesbury, UK
| | - Amelia Shard
- Buckinghamshire Healthcare, NHS Trust, Aylesbury, UK
| | - James Herdman
- Buckinghamshire Healthcare, NHS Trust, Aylesbury, UK
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26
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Portable and Battery-Powered PCR Device for DNA Amplification and Fluorescence Detection. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20092627. [PMID: 32380637 PMCID: PMC7249063 DOI: 10.3390/s20092627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique for nucleic acid amplification, which has been widely used in molecular biology. Owing to the limitations such as large size, high power consumption, and complicated operation, PCR is only used in hospitals or research institutions. To meet the requirements of portable applications, we developed a fast, battery-powered, portable device for PCR amplification and end-point detection. The device consisted of a PCR thermal control system, PCR reaction chip, and fluorescence detection system. The PCR thermal control system was formed by a thermal control chip and external drive circuits. Thin-film heaters and resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) were fabricated on the thermal control chip and were regulated with external drive circuits. The average heating rate was 32 °C/s and the average cooling rate was 7.5 °C/s. The disposable reaction chips were fabricated using a silicon substrate, silicone rubber, and quartz plate. The fluorescence detection system consisted a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) camera, an LED, and mirror units. The device was driven by a 24 V Li-ion battery. We amplified HPV16E6 genomic DNA using our device and achieved satisfactory results.
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27
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Ultrafast Photonic PCR Based on Photothermal Nanomaterials. Trends Biotechnol 2020; 38:637-649. [PMID: 31918858 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2019.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, PCR has been the gold standard for detecting nucleic acids (NAs) in various biomedical fields. However, there are several limitations associated with conventional PCR, such as complicated operation, need for bulky equipment, and, in particular, long thermocycling time. Emerging nanomaterials with photothermal effects have shown great potential for developing a new generation of PCR: ultrafast photonic PCR. Here, we review recent applications of photothermal nanomaterials in ultrafast photonic PCR. First, we introduce emerging photothermal nanomaterials and their light-to-heat energy conversion process in photonic PCR. We then review different photothermal nanomaterial-based photonic PCRs and compare their merits and drawbacks. Finally, we summarize existing challenges with photonic PCR and hypothesize its promising future research directions.
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28
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Guevara-Pantoja PE, Sánchez-Domínguez M, Caballero-Robledo GA. Micro-nanoparticles magnetic trap: Toward high sensitivity and rapid microfluidic continuous flow enzyme immunoassay. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:014111. [PMID: 32038740 PMCID: PMC6992449 DOI: 10.1063/1.5126027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we developed a microfluidic system for immunoassays where we combined the use of magnetic nanoparticles as immunosupport, a microfluidic magnetic trap, and a fluorogenic substrate in continuous flow for detection which, together with the optimization of the functionalization of surfaces to minimize nonspecific interactions, resulted in a detection limit in the order of femtomolar and a total assay time of 40 min for antibiotin antibody detection. A magnetic trap made of carbonyl-iron microparticles packaged inside a 200 μ m square microchannel was used to immobilize and concentrate nanoparticles. We functionalized the surface of the iron microparticles with a silica-polyethylene glycol (PEG) shell to avoid corrosion and unspecific protein binding. A new one-step method was developed to coat acrylic microchannels with an organofunctional silane functionalized with PEG to minimize unspecific binding. A model immunoassay was performed using nanoparticles decorated with biotin to capture antibiotin rabbit Immunoglobulin G (IgG) as target primary antibody. The detection was made using antirabbit IgG labeled with the enzyme alkaline phosphatase as a secondary antibody, and we measured fluorescence with a fluorescence microscope. All steps of the immunoassay were performed inside the chip. A calibration curve was obtained in which a detection limit of 8 pg/ml of antibiotin antibody was quantified. The simplicity of the device and the fact that it is made of acrylic, which is compatible with mass production, make it ideal for Point-Of-Care applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margarita Sánchez-Domínguez
- Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados, S.C. (CIMAV), Unidad Monterrey, Alianza Norte 202, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Apodaca 66628, Nuevo León, Mexico
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29
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Katsarou K, Bardani E, Kallemi P, Kalantidis K. Viral Detection: Past, Present, and Future. Bioessays 2019; 41:e1900049. [PMID: 31441081 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are essentially composed of a nucleic acid (segmented or not, DNA, or RNA) and a protein coat. Despite their simplicity, these small pathogens are responsible for significant economic and humanitarian losses that have had dramatic consequences in the course of human history. Since their discovery, scientists have developed different strategies to efficiently detect viruses, using all possible viral features. Viruses shape, proteins, and nucleic acid are used in viral detection. In this review, the development of these techniques, especially for plant and mammalian viruses, their strengths and weaknesses as well as the latest cutting-edge technologies that may be playing important roles in the years to come are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Katsarou
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, GR-70013, Greece.,Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, GR-70013, Greece
| | - Eirini Bardani
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, GR-70013, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Kallemi
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, GR-70013, Greece
| | - Kriton Kalantidis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, GR-70013, Greece.,Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, GR-70013, Greece
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30
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Lee SH, Park SM, Kim BN, Kwon OS, Rho WY, Jun BH. Emerging ultrafast nucleic acid amplification technologies for next-generation molecular diagnostics. Biosens Bioelectron 2019; 141:111448. [PMID: 31252258 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.111448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were an indispensable methodology for diagnosing cancers, viral and bacterial infections owing to their high sensitivity and specificity. Because the NAATs can recognize and discriminate even a few copies of nucleic acid (NA) and species-specific NA sequences, NAATs have become the gold standard in a wide range of applications. However, limitations of NAAT approaches have recently become more apparent by reason of their lengthy run time, large reaction volume, and complex protocol. To meet the current demands of clinicians and biomedical researchers, new NAATs have developed to achieve ultrafast sample-to-answer protocols for the point-of-care testing (POCT). In this review, ultrafast NA-POCT platforms are discussed, outlining their NA amplification principles as well as delineating recent advances in ultrafast NAAT applications. The main focus is to provide an overview of NA-POCT platforms in regard to sample preparation of NA, NA amplification, NA detection process, interpretation of the analysis, and evaluation of the platform design. Increasing importance will be given to innovative, ultrafast amplification methods and tools which incorporate artificial intelligence (AI)-associated data analysis processes and mobile-healthcare networks. The future prospects of NA POCT platforms are promising as they allow absolute quantitation of NA in individuals which is essential to precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hun Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Brian N Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Central Florida, FL, USA
| | - Oh Seok Kwon
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Won-Yep Rho
- School of International Engineering and Science, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Bong-Hyun Jun
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, South Korea.
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31
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A highly integrated real-time digital PCR device for accurate DNA quantitative analysis. Biosens Bioelectron 2019; 128:151-158. [PMID: 30660930 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2018.12.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Misclassification of positive partitions in microfluidic digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) can cause the false positives and false negatives, which significantly alter the resulting estimate of target DNA molecules. To address this issue, establishing real-time fluorescence interrogation of each partition in microfluidic arrays is an effective way in which false positive and false negative partitions can be eliminated. However, currently available devices for real-time fluorescence interrogation are either not competent for microfluidic digital array, or they are bulky, expensive and entail peripheral equipment due to low integration. Therefore, in this study, a Raspberry Pi based, low-cost and highly integrated device is presented to achieve real-time fluorescence detection for microfluidic digital array, termed real-time dPCR device. In the device, uniform thermocycler, streamlined real-time fluorescence imaging setup, and compact data processing system are all integrated to undergo on-chip dPCR amplification, real-time fluorescence detection, and data analysis. Using this real-time dPCR device, the accuracy of DNA absolute quantification by dPCR is improved, since the misclassification of positive partitions is efficiently reduced based on the characteristic real-time fluorescence curves of positive partitions in a self-priming microfluidic chip. Compared with end-point dPCR on our device and commercialized QuantStudio™ 3D dPCR system, the real-time dPCR on our device exhibits a higher accuracy for DNA quantification. In addition, this real-time dPCR device is much smaller and cheaper than the commercialized Digital PCR system, but not sacrificing the capability of error correction for absolute quantitation analysis. Conclusively, this highly integrated real-time dPCR device is very beneficial for DNA quantitative analysis where the determination accuracy is pivotal.
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32
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Abstract
Barcoded bioassays are ready to promote bioanalysis and biomedicine toward the point of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Yang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience
- National Center for NanoScience and Technology
- Beijing
| | - Yong Liu
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience
- National Center for NanoScience and Technology
- Beijing
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience
- National Center for NanoScience and Technology
- Beijing
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33
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Zhang K, Lv S, Tang D. A 3D printing-based portable photoelectrochemical sensing device using a digital multimeter. Analyst 2019; 144:5389-5393. [DOI: 10.1039/c9an01447k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
An enzyme-free photoelectrochemical sensing method based on a 3D-printing device was developed for CEA detection coupling glucose-encapsulated liposomes with digital multimeter readout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangyao Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology (MOE & Fujian Province)
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment
- Department of Chemistry
- Fuzhou University
- Fuzhou 350108
| | - Shuzhen Lv
- Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology (MOE & Fujian Province)
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment
- Department of Chemistry
- Fuzhou University
- Fuzhou 350108
| | - Dianping Tang
- Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology (MOE & Fujian Province)
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment
- Department of Chemistry
- Fuzhou University
- Fuzhou 350108
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34
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Abstract
The recent explosion of 3D printing applications in scientific literature has expanded the speed and effectiveness of analytical technological development. 3D printing allows for manufacture that is simply designed in software and printed in-house with nearly no constraints on geometry, and analytical methodologies can thus be prototyped and optimized with little difficulty. The versatility of methods and materials available allows the analytical chemist or biologist to fine-tune both the structural and functional portions of their apparatus. This flexibility has more recently been extended to optical-based bioanalysis, with higher resolution techniques and new printing materials opening the door for a wider variety of optical components, plasmonic surfaces, optical interfaces, and biomimetic systems that can be made in the laboratory. There have been discussions and reviews of various aspects of 3D printing technologies in analytical chemistry; this Review highlights recent literature and trends in their applications to optical sensing and bioanalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Lambert
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California, 92521, USA
| | - Santino Valiulis
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California, 92521, USA
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California, 92521, USA
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35
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Sharafeldin M, Jones A, Rusling JF. 3D-Printed Biosensor Arrays for Medical Diagnostics. MICROMACHINES 2018; 9:E394. [PMID: 30424327 PMCID: PMC6187244 DOI: 10.3390/mi9080394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
While the technology is relatively new, low-cost 3D printing has impacted many aspects of human life. 3D printers are being used as manufacturing tools for a wide variety of devices in a spectrum of applications ranging from diagnosis to implants to external prostheses. The ease of use, availability of 3D-design software and low cost has made 3D printing an accessible manufacturing and fabrication tool in many bioanalytical research laboratories. 3D printers can print materials with varying density, optical character, strength and chemical properties that provide the user with a vast array of strategic options. In this review, we focus on applications in biomedical diagnostics and how this revolutionary technique is facilitating the development of low-cost, sensitive, and often geometrically complex tools. 3D printing in the fabrication of microfluidics, supporting equipment, and optical and electronic components of diagnostic devices is presented. Emerging diagnostics systems using 3D bioprinting as a tool to incorporate living cells or biomaterials into 3D printing is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Sharafeldin
- Department of Chemistry (U-3060), University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Sharkia, Egypt.
| | - Abby Jones
- Department of Chemistry (U-3060), University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
| | - James F Rusling
- Department of Chemistry (U-3060), University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
- Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, 97 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
- Department of Surgery and Neag Cancer Center, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06032, USA.
- School of Chemistry, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
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