Rapid and simple single-chamber nucleic acid detection system prepared through nature-inspired surface engineering

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microfluidics
• Diagnostics

Background:

• Nucleic acid (NA)-based diagnostics are crucial for disease response.
• Current NA diagnostic methods involve multiple labor-intensive steps, hindering clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simplified, single-chamber device for integrated NA extraction and amplification.
• To enable rapid, cost-effective NA-based diagnostics for clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• A single-chamber microfluidic device with surface-engineered micropillars for NA extraction and an amplification reaction site.
• Utilized plastic injection molding for mass production and silica coating for NA affinity.
• Integrated a colorimetric pH indicator for visual detection of amplified NA.

Main Results:

• Achieved efficient NA enrichment on the engineered surface, dependent on incubation time.
• Demonstrated rapid, naked-eye detection of pathogens down to 1x10^3 CFU within one hour.
• Proof-of-concept for on-chip NA analysis coupled with a colorimetric indicator.

Conclusions:

• The surface engineering technique facilitates NA enrichment for microfluidic diagnostic chips.
• This approach offers a pathway for rapid, convenient, and cost-effective nucleic acid-based diagnostics.
• The technology has potential for broad integration into various microfluidic diagnostic platforms.