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A smartphone-based colorimetric reader for bioanalytical applications using the screen-based bottom illumination
Sandeep Kumar Vashist1, Thomas van Oordt2, E Marion Schneider3
1HSG-IMIT-Institut für Mikro- und Informationstechnik, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; Laboratory for MEMS Applications, Department of Microsystems Engineering-IMTEK, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.
A novel smartphone-based colorimetric reader (SBCR) offers a cost-effective alternative to commercial readers for various bioanalytical applications. This device demonstrates comparable precision, dynamic range, and sensitivity for immunoassays and protein estimation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Point-of-Care Diagnostics
Background:
- Traditional microtiter plate readers are expensive and not portable.
- There is a need for cost-effective and accessible diagnostic tools for point-of-care settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a smartphone-based colorimetric reader (SBCR) as an affordable alternative to commercial microtiter plate readers.
- To evaluate the performance of the SBCR for common bioanalytical assays.
Main Methods:
- Developed an SBCR using a smartphone, custom dark hood, and base holder.
- Utilized smartphone camera for colorimetric imaging with bottom illumination from the screen.
- Employed an image processing algorithm to determine pixel intensity.
- Compared SBCR performance against a commercial microtiter plate reader using ELISA and protein estimation assays.
Main Results:
- The SBCR demonstrated comparable precision, dynamic range, detection limit, and sensitivity to a commercial microtiter plate reader.
- Performance was consistent across three different model assays, including C-reactive protein ELISA and bicinchoninic acid protein assay.
Conclusions:
- The developed SBCR is a viable, low-cost alternative for colorimetric detection in point-of-care diagnostics.
- Future advancements in microfabrication and data processing can further enhance SBCR capabilities for diverse bioanalytical applications.
