A Simple, Low-Cost Platform for Real-Time Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification

Sensors

Pascal Craw¹  Ruth E. Mackay¹  Angel Naveenathayalan¹  Chris Hudson¹  Manoharanehru Branavan¹  S. Tariq Sadiq²  Wamadeva Balachandran¹ 

[1] College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK; E-Mails:;Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK; E-Mail:

关键词: point-of care;    molecular diagnostics;    isothermal amplification;    nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT);    helicase dependent amplification;   

DOI  :  10.3390/s150923418

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Advances in microfluidics and the introduction of isothermal nucleic acid amplification assays have resulted in a range of solutions for nucleic acid amplification tests suited for point of care and field use. However, miniaturisation of instrumentation for such assays has not seen such rapid advances and fluorescence based assays still depend on complex, bulky and expensive optics such as fluorescence microscopes, photomultiplier tubes and sensitive lens assemblies. In this work we demonstrate a robust, low cost platform for isothermal nucleic acid amplification on a microfluidic device. Using easily obtainable materials and commercial off-the-shelf components, we show real time fluorescence detection using a low cost photodiode and operational amplifier without need for lenses. Temperature regulation on the device is achieved using a heater fabricated with standard printed circuit board fabrication methods. These facile construction methods allow fabrications at a cost compatible with widespread deployment to resource poor settings.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.