MS² device: smartphone-facilitated mobile nucleic acid analysis on microfluidic device.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Mobile Sensing Technology

Background:

• Mobile sensing technology (MS2) integrates microfluidics and smartphones, showing promise for molecular diagnostics.
• Existing MS2 systems for nucleic acid analysis have limitations, lacking integrated quantitative PCR, multiplex PCR, isothermal amplification, and advanced control features.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a universal and powerful MS2 device for integrated nucleic acid amplification and analysis.
• To create a portable platform suitable for basic research and clinical molecular diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Developed a novel MS2 device integrating a thermocycler, multi-fluorescence detection unit, PCR chip, isothermal chip, and smartphone control via a custom app.
• Evaluated device performance including size (325x200x200 mm), weight (5 kg), power consumption (38.4 W), heating/cooling rates (5°C/s and 4°C/s), temperature uniformity (<0.1°C), and stability (±0.04°C).
• Assessed nucleic acid amplification capabilities, including PCR completion time (65 min), detection sensitivity (1 copy/μL), amplification efficiency (106.8%), and compatibility with multiplex and isothermal amplification.

Main Results:

• The integrated MS2 device demonstrated high performance, with rapid PCR completion and excellent temperature control.
• Achieved high sensitivity (1 copy/μL) and efficiency (106.8%) in PCR-based detection, comparable to commercial equipment.
• The device supports multiple amplification methods (PCR, multiplex PCR, isothermal amplification) and real-time analysis via a smartphone app.

Conclusions:

• The novel MS2 device offers an integrated, portable, and powerful platform for molecular diagnostics.
• Its performance and versatility make it suitable for advanced molecular diagnostic research and potential clinical applications.
• This technology advances the accessibility and efficiency of nucleic acid analysis outside traditional laboratory settings.