Dengue NS1 detection in pediatric serum using microfluidic paper-based analytical devices.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Infectious Disease Diagnostics

Background:

• Accurate dengue diagnosis is crucial for effective patient management and treatment.
• Current diagnostic methods may not be suitable for rapid point-of-care testing in resource-limited settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) for the rapid, point-of-care detection of dengue NS1 antigen.
• To optimize assay conditions and assess the device's performance in various sample matrices.

Main Methods:

• Development of a sandwich immunoassay on wax-patterned paper functionalized with anti-dengue NS1 monoclonal antibodies.
• Optimization of assay parameters such as channel length and diluent.
• Detection of dengue NS1 using naked eye, scanner, and smartphone camera within 20-30 minutes.

Main Results:

• The developed dengue NS1-specific paper-based analytical device (DEN-NS1-PAD) was successfully field-tested in buffer, cell culture media, and human serum.
• Achieved limits of detection (LoD) of 200 ng/mL (naked eye), 46.7 ng/mL (scanner), and 74.8 ng/mL (smartphone camera).
• Demonstrated high true specificity and sensitivity in pediatric patient serum, with good repeatability, reproducibility, and stability.

Conclusions:

• The DEN-NS1-PAD is a promising tool for point-of-care dengue diagnostics.
• This technology can significantly aid in controlling the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, which may increase due to global warming.
• Facilitates timely diagnosis and management of dengue infections.