An internet of things-based intensity and time-resolved fluorescence reader for point-of-care testing

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Optical Sensing Technologies
• Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Background:

• Traditional laboratory diagnostics are often inaccessible in low-resource and remote settings.
• There is a need for portable, cost-effective, and sensitive diagnostic tools for field use.
• Fluorescence-based assays offer high sensitivity but require specialized equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a miniature, IoT-enabled fluorescence reader for point-of-care testing (PoCT).
• To validate the device's performance in detecting Plasmodium antigen using a fluorescence immunoassay.
• To compare the developed PoCT reader against commercial instruments and colorimetric methods.

Main Methods:

• A compact (3D-printed) fluorescence reader integrating optics, a laser diode, and a Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) camera was designed.
• The device incorporates a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) for control and IoT capabilities.
• Plasmodium antigen detection was performed using a fluorescent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Main Results:

• The developed PoCT reader demonstrated higher sensitivity compared to colorimetric detection methods.
• Performance metrics, including signal trends and limits of detection, were comparable to commercial fluorescence plate readers.
• The device successfully detected Plasmodium antigen in a fluorescence immunoassay.

Conclusions:

• The miniature IoT-based PoCT fluorescence reader is a viable, low-cost solution for remote and low-resource diagnostics.
• The platform effectively brings advanced laboratory assay performance closer to the end-user.
• This technology has the potential to significantly improve diagnostic capabilities in underserved areas.