The utility of optical waveguide DNA array hybridization and melting for rapid resolution of mismatches, and for detection of minor mutant components in the presence of a majority of wild type sequence: Statistical model and supporting data

Towards the Development of Portable and In Situ Optical Devices for Detection of Micro and Nanoplastics in Water: A Review on the Current Status

The prevalent nature of micro and nanoplastics (MP/NPs) on environmental pollution and health-related issues has led to the development of various methods, usually based on Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies, for their detection. Unfortunately, most of the developed techniques are laboratory-based with little focus on in situ detection of MPs. In this review, we aim to give an up-to-date report on the different optical measurement methods that have been exploited in the screening of MPs isolated from their natural environments, such as water. The progress and the potential of portable optical sensors for field studies of MPs are described, including remote sensing methods. We also propose other optical methods to be considered for the development of potential in situ integrated optical devices for continuous detection of MPs and NPs. Integrated optical solutions are especially necessary for the development of robust portable and in situ optical sensors for the quantitative detection and classification of water-based MPs.

A portable optical waveguide resonance light-scattering scanner for microarray detection

In the present work, a portable and low-cost planar waveguide based resonance light scattering (RLS) scanner (termed as: PW-RLS scanner) has been developed for microarray detection. The PW-RLS scanner employs a 2 × 4 white light emitting diode array (WLEDA) as the excitation light source, a folded optical path with a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) as the signal/image acquisition device and stepper motors with gear drives as the mechanical drive system. The biological binding/recognizing events on the microarray can be detected with an evanescent waveguide-directed illumination and light-scattering label (e.g., nanoparticles) while the microarray slide acts as an evanescent waveguide substrate. The performance of the as-developed PW-RLS scanner has been evaluated by analyzing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk genes. Highly selective and sensitive (less than 1% allele frequency at the attomole-level) T2DM risk gene detection is achieved using single-stranded DNA functionalized gold nanoparticles (ssDNA-GNPs) as detection probes. Additionally, the successful simultaneous analysis of 15 T2DM patient genotypes suggests that the device has great potential for the realization of a personalized diagnostic test for a given disease or patient follow-up.

Clinical potential of microchip capillary electrophoresis systems

Clinical interest in the use of capillary electrophoresis (CE) has recently been extended to the microchip environment. Clinical analyses demand careful handling of complex samples that are often limited in quantity and in concentration. The integrated sample handling and analysis capabilities of microchip substrates thus seem ideally suited to clinical applications. This review surveys the development of sample handling (injection, mixing, and reaction) and separation elements on-chip. The integration of these elements to create a variety of clinical analyzers has been demonstrated. The application of microchip CE systems to human serum protein analysis, immunoassay, and DNA studies is reviewed, along with various other clinical applications. In addition, the clinical potential of the lab-on-a-chip concept is discussed.