1
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Madadelahi M, Agarwal R, Martinez-Chapa SO, Madou MJ. A roadmap to high-speed polymerase chain reaction (PCR): COVID-19 as a technology accelerator. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 246:115830. [PMID: 38039729 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
The limit of detection (LOD), speed, and cost of crucial COVID-19 diagnostic tools, including lateral flow assays (LFA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and polymerase chain reactions (PCR), have all improved because of the financial and governmental support for the epidemic. The most notable improvement in overall efficiency among them has been seen with PCR. Its significance for human health increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it emerged as the commonly used approach for identifying the virus. However, because of problems with speed, complexity, and expense, PCR deployment in point-of-care settings continues to be difficult. Microfluidic platforms offer a promising solution by enabling the development of smaller, more affordable, and faster PCR systems. In this review, we delve into the engineering challenges associated with the advancement of high-speed microfluidic PCR equipment. We introduce criteria that facilitate the evaluation and comparison of factors such as speed, LOD, cycling efficiency, and multiplexing capacity, considering sample volume, fluidics, PCR reactor geometry and materials, as well as heating/cooling methods. We also provide a comprehensive list of commercially available PCR devices and conclude with projections and a discussion regarding the current obstacles that need to be addressed in order to progress further in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Madadelahi
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, 64849, NL, Mexico; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Iran.
| | - Rahul Agarwal
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, 64849, NL, Mexico
| | | | - Marc J Madou
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, 64849, NL, Mexico; Autonomous Medical Devices Incorporated (AMDI), Santa Ana, CA, 92704, USA.
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2
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Wan L, Li M, Law MK, Mak PI, Martins RP, Jia Y. Sub-5-Minute Ultrafast PCR using Digital Microfluidics. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 242:115711. [PMID: 37797533 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The development of a rapid and reliable polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for point-of-care (POC) diagnosis is crucial for the timely identification of pathogens. Microfluidics, which involves the manipulation of small volumes of fluidic samples, has been shown to be an ideal approach for POC analysis. Among the various microfluidic platforms available, digital microfluidics (DMF) offers high degree of configurability in manipulating μL/nL-scale liquid and achieving automation. However, the successful implementation of ultrafast PCR on DMF platforms presents challenges due to inherent system instability. In this study, we developed a robust and ultrafast PCR in 3.7-5 min with a detection sensitivity comparable to conventional PCR. Specifically, the implementation of the pincer heating scheme homogenises the temperature within a drop. The utilization of a μm-scale porous hydrophobic membrane suppresses the formation of bubbles under high temperatures. The design of a groove around the high-temperature zone effectively mitigates the temperature interference. The integration of a soluble sensor into the droplets provides an accurate and instant in-drop temperature sensing. We envision that the fast, robust, sensitive, and automatic DMF system will empower the POC testing for infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wan
- The State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Mingzhong Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macao, China; Silergy Semiconductor (Macau) Limited, Macao, China
| | - Man-Kay Law
- The State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macao, China; Faculty of Science and Technology - Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Pui-In Mak
- The State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macao, China; Faculty of Science and Technology - Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Rui P Martins
- The State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macao, China; Faculty of Science and Technology - Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Macau, Macao, China; On Leave from Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Yanwei Jia
- The State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macao, China; Faculty of Science and Technology - Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Macau, Macao, China; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macao, China.
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3
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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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4
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Fan Y, Dai R, Lu S, Liu X, Zhou T, Yang C, Hu X, Lv X, Li X. Oscillatory-Flow PCR Microfluidic Chip Driven by Low Speed Biaxial Centrifugation. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13050555. [PMID: 37232917 DOI: 10.3390/bios13050555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
PCR is indispensable in basic science and biotechnology for in-orbit life science research. However, manpower and resources are limited in space. To address the constraints of in-orbit PCR, we proposed an oscillatory-flow PCR technique based on biaxial centrifugation. Oscillatory-flow PCR remarkably reduces the power requirements of the PCR process and has a relatively high ramp rate. A microfluidic chip that could perform dispensing, volume correction, and oscillatory-flow PCR of four samples simultaneously using biaxial centrifugation was designed. An automatic biaxial centrifugation device was designed and assembled to validate the biaxial centrifugation oscillatory-flow PCR. Simulation analysis and experimental tests indicated that the device could perform fully automated PCR amplification of four samples in one hour, with a ramp rate of 4.4 ∘C/s and average power consumption of less than 30 W. The PCR results were consistent with those obtained using conventional PCR equipment. Air bubbles generated during amplification were removed by oscillation. The chip and device realized a low-power, miniaturized, and fast PCR method under microgravity conditions, indicating good space application prospects and potential for higher throughput and extension to qPCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Fan
- Key Laboratory of Convergence Medical Engineering System and Healthcare Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China 2 Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Rongji Dai
- Key Laboratory of Convergence Medical Engineering System and Healthcare Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China 2 Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Shuyu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Convergence Medical Engineering System and Healthcare Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China 2 Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Convergence Medical Engineering System and Healthcare Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China 2 Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Taiyan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Convergence Medical Engineering System and Healthcare Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China 2 Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chunhua Yang
- Key Laboratory of Convergence Medical Engineering System and Healthcare Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China 2 Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiaoming Hu
- Key Laboratory of Convergence Medical Engineering System and Healthcare Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China 2 Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xuefei Lv
- Key Laboratory of Convergence Medical Engineering System and Healthcare Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China 2 Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Li
- Key Laboratory of Convergence Medical Engineering System and Healthcare Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China 2 Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
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5
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Kulkarni MB, Goel S. Mini-thermal platform integrated with microfluidic device with on-site detection for real-time DNA amplification. Biotechniques 2023; 74:158-171. [PMID: 37139914 DOI: 10.2144/btn-2022-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent cases of COVID-19 have brought the prospect of and requirement for point-of-care diagnostic devices into the limelight. Despite all the advances in point-of-care devices, there is still a huge requirement for a rapid, accurate, easy-to-use, low-cost, field-deployable and miniaturized PCR assay device to amplify and detect genetic material. This work aims to develop an Internet-of-Things automated, integrated, miniaturized and cost-effective microfluidic continuous flow-based PCR device capable of on-site detection. As a proof of application, the 594-bp GAPDH gene was successfully amplified and detected on a single system. The presented mini thermal platform with an integrated microfluidic device has the potential to be used for the detection of several infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhusudan B Kulkarni
- MEMS, Microfluidics & Nano Electronics (MMNE) Lab, Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology & Sciences (BITS), Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, 500078, Telangana, India
| | - Sanket Goel
- MEMS, Microfluidics & Nano Electronics (MMNE) Lab, Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology & Sciences (BITS), Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, 500078, Telangana, India
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6
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de Olazarra AS, Wang SX. Advances in point-of-care genetic testing for personalized medicine applications. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:031501. [PMID: 37159750 PMCID: PMC10163839 DOI: 10.1063/5.0143311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Breakthroughs within the fields of genomics and bioinformatics have enabled the identification of numerous genetic biomarkers that reflect an individual's disease susceptibility, disease progression, and therapy responsiveness. The personalized medicine paradigm capitalizes on these breakthroughs by utilizing an individual's genetic profile to guide treatment selection, dosing, and preventative care. However, integration of personalized medicine into routine clinical practice has been limited-in part-by a dearth of widely deployable, timely, and cost-effective genetic analysis tools. Fortunately, the last several decades have been characterized by tremendous progress with respect to the development of molecular point-of-care tests (POCTs). Advances in microfluidic technologies, accompanied by improvements and innovations in amplification methods, have opened new doors to health monitoring at the point-of-care. While many of these technologies were developed with rapid infectious disease diagnostics in mind, they are well-suited for deployment as genetic testing platforms for personalized medicine applications. In the coming years, we expect that these innovations in molecular POCT technology will play a critical role in enabling widespread adoption of personalized medicine methods. In this work, we review the current and emerging generations of point-of-care molecular testing platforms and assess their applicability toward accelerating the personalized medicine paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. S. de Olazarra
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - S. X. Wang
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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7
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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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8
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Chen S, Sun Y, Fan F, Chen S, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Meng X, Lin JM. Present status of microfluidic PCR chip in nucleic acid detection and future perspective. Trends Analyt Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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9
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Escobar A, Xu CQ. Perspective Chapter: Microfluidic Technologies for On-Site Detection and Quantification of Infectious Diseases - The Experience with SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. Infect Dis (Lond) 2022. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.105950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last 2 years, the economic and infrastructural damage incurred by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has exposed several limitations in the world’s preparedness for a pandemic-level virus. Conventional diagnostic techniques that were key in minimizing the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 were limited in their overall effectiveness as on-site diagnostic devices due to systematic inefficiencies. The most prevalent of said inefficiencies include their large turnaround times, operational costs, the need for laboratory equipment, and skilled personnel to conduct the test. This left many people in the early stages of the pandemic without the means to test themselves readily and reliably while minimizing further transmission. This unmet demand created a vacuum in the healthcare system, as well as in industry, that drove innovation in several types of diagnostic platforms, including microfluidic and non-microfluidic devices. In this chapter, we will explore how integrated microfluidic technologies have facilitated the improvements of previously existing diagnostic platforms for fast and accurate on-site detection of infectious diseases.
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10
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Lin YH, Liao XJ, Chang W, Chiou CC. Ultrafast DNA Amplification Using Microchannel Flow-Through PCR Device. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12050303. [PMID: 35624604 PMCID: PMC9138433 DOI: 10.3390/bios12050303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is limited by the long reaction time for point-of-care. Currently, commercial benchtop rapid PCR requires 30−40 min, and this time is limited by the absence of rapid and stable heating and cooling platforms rather than the biochemical reaction kinetics. This study develops an ultrafast PCR (<3 min) platform using flow-through microchannel chips. An actin gene amplicon with a length of 151 base-pairs in the whole genome was used to verify the ultrafast PCR microfluidic chip. The results demonstrated that the channel of 56 μm height can provide fast heat conduction and the channel length should not be short. Under certain denaturation and annealing/extension times, a short channel design will cause the sample to drive slowly in the microchannel with insufficient pressure in the channel, causing the fluid to generate bubbles in the high-temperature zone and subsequently destabilizing the flow. The chips used in the experiment can complete 40 thermal cycles within 160 s through a design with the 56 µm channel height and with each thermal circle measuring 4 cm long. The calculation shows that the DNA extension speed is ~60 base-pairs/s, which is consistent with the theoretical speed of the Klen Taq extension used, and the detection limit can reach 67 copies. The heat transfer time of the reagent on this platform is very short. The simple chip design and fabrication are suitable for the development of commercial ultrafast PCR chips.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Heng Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-H.L.); (C.-C.C.)
| | - Xiang-Jun Liao
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Wei Chang
- Master and PhD Program in Biotechnology Industry, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Chiuan-Chian Chiou
- Master and PhD Program in Biotechnology Industry, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-H.L.); (C.-C.C.)
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11
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Lin PH, Li BR. Passively driven microfluidic device with simple operation in the development of nanolitre droplet assay in nucleic acid detection. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21019. [PMID: 34697372 PMCID: PMC8549005 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00470-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Since nucleic acid amplification technology has become a vital tool for disease diagnosis, the development of precise applied nucleic acid detection technologies in point-of care testing (POCT) has become more significant. The microfluidic-based nucleic acid detection platform offers a great opportunity for on-site diagnosis efficiency, and the system is aimed at user-friendly access. Herein, we demonstrate a microfluidic system with simple operation that provides reliable nucleic acid results from 18 uniform droplets via LAMP detection. By using only micropipette regulation, users are able to control the nanoliter scale of the droplets in this valve-free and pump-free microfluidic (MF) chip. Based on the oil enclosure method and impermeable fabrication, we successfully preserved the reagent inside the microfluidic system, which significantly reduced the fluid loss and condensation. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the fluorescence intensity between the droplets and during the heating process was < 5% and 2.0%, respectively. Additionally, for different nucleic acid detection methods, the MF-LAMP chip in this study showed good applicability to both genome detection and gene expression analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Heng Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 1001 Ta-Hseh Rd., Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Ran Li
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 1001 Ta-Hseh Rd., Hsinchu, Taiwan.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
- Center for Emergent Functional Matter Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
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12
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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: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [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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Liu F, Giometto A, Wu M. Microfluidic and mathematical modeling of aquatic microbial communities. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 413:2331-2344. [PMID: 33244684 PMCID: PMC7990691 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-03085-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic microbial communities contribute fundamentally to biogeochemical transformations in natural ecosystems, and disruption of these communities can lead to ecological disasters such as harmful algal blooms. Microbial communities are highly dynamic, and their composition and function are tightly controlled by the biophysical (e.g., light, fluid flow, and temperature) and biochemical (e.g., chemical gradients and cell concentration) parameters of the surrounding environment. Due to the large number of environmental factors involved, a systematic understanding of the microbial community-environment interactions is lacking. In this article, we show that microfluidic platforms present a unique opportunity to recreate well-defined environmental factors in a laboratory setting in a high throughput way, enabling quantitative studies of microbial communities that are amenable to theoretical modeling. The focus of this article is on aquatic microbial communities, but the microfluidic and mathematical models discussed here can be readily applied to investigate other microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangchen Liu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Andrea Giometto
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Mingming Wu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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