Sensors 2015, 15(9), 23418-23430; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150923418
A Simple, Low-Cost Platform for Real-Time Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification
1
College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
2
Oceans and Atmosphere flagship, Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
3
Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Academic Editor: Frances S. Ligler
Received: 12 August 2015 / Revised: 28 August 2015 / Accepted: 1 September 2015 / Published: 16 September 2015
(This article belongs to the Section Biosensors)
Abstract
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. View Full-TextKeywords:
point-of care; molecular diagnostics; isothermal amplification; nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT); helicase dependent amplification
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MDPI and ACS Style
Craw, P.; Mackay, R.E.; Naveenathayalan, A.; Hudson, C.; Branavan, M.; Sadiq, S.T.; Balachandran, W. A Simple, Low-Cost Platform for Real-Time Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification. Sensors 2015, 15, 23418-23430.