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Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Multiplexed Isothermal Amplification Based Diagnostic Platform to Detect Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue 1
Published on: March 13, 2018
Multiplexed instrument-free meningitis diagnosis on a polymer/paper hybrid microfluidic biochip
Maowei Dou1, Sharma T Sanjay1, Delfina C Dominguez2
1Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Ave, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
Abstract:
Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis), Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) are three most common pathogens accounting for most bacterial meningitis, a serious global infectious disease with high fatality, especially in developing nations. Because the treatment and antibiotics differ among each type, the identification of the exact bacteria causing the disease is vital. Herein, we report a polymer/paper hybrid microfluidic biochip integrated with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for multiplexed instrument-free diagnosis of these three major types of bacterial meningitis, with high sensitivity and specificity. Results can be visually observed by the naked eye or imaged by a smartphone camera under a portable UV light source. Without using any specialized laboratory instrument, the limits of detection of a few DNA copies per LAMP zone for N. meningitidis, S. pneumoniae and Hib were achieved within 1h. In addition, these three types of microorganisms spiked in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) were directly detected simultaneously, avoiding cumbersome sample preparation procedures in conventional methods. Compared with the paper-free non-hybrid microfluidic biochip over a period of three months, the hybrid microfluidic biochip was found to have a much longer shelf life. Hence, this rapid, instrument-free and highly sensitive microfluidic approach has great potential for point-of-care (POC) diagnosis of multiple infectious diseases simultaneously, especially in resource-limited settings.
Insights
This study introduces a novel microfluidic biochip for rapid, instrument-free diagnosis of bacterial meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae type b. The device offers high sensitivity and specificity for point-of-care applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Medical Diagnostics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Bacterial meningitis, caused by pathogens like Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae type b, is a critical global health concern.
- Accurate and rapid identification of causative agents is crucial for effective treatment due to differing antibiotic sensitivities.
- Existing diagnostic methods often require specialized equipment and extensive sample preparation, limiting their use in resource-limited settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a polymer/paper hybrid microfluidic biochip for multiplexed, instrument-free diagnosis of the three most common bacterial meningitis pathogens.
- To achieve high sensitivity and specificity in detecting these pathogens within a short timeframe.
- To enable visual or smartphone-based detection for point-of-care applications.
Main Methods:
- Integration of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with a polymer/paper hybrid microfluidic biochip.
- Multiplexed detection of Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae type b DNA.
- Direct detection of pathogens spiked in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) without complex sample preparation.
- Evaluation of visual and smartphone-based result interpretation under UV light.
Main Results:
- Achieved limits of detection of a few DNA copies per LAMP zone for all three pathogens within one hour.
- Demonstrated simultaneous detection of the three microorganisms directly from artificial cerebrospinal fluid.
- Confirmed a significantly longer shelf life for the hybrid microfluidic biochip compared to paper-free alternatives.
- Validated instrument-free diagnosis with visual or smartphone imaging.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic biochip provides a rapid, highly sensitive, and specific method for diagnosing multiple bacterial meningitis types.
- The instrument-free and visual readout capabilities make it suitable for point-of-care use, especially in resource-limited settings.
- This technology holds significant potential for improving the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases globally.
