Multilayer Thin-Film Optical Filters for Reflectance-Based Malaria Diagnostics
Mariana S Costa1, Vitória Baptista1,2,3, Gabriel M Ferreira1
1Microelectromechanical Systems Research Unit (CMEMS-UMinho), School of Engineering, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal.
Micromachines
|August 27, 2021
Summary
A new optical device detects malaria by quantifying haemozoin, offering higher sensitivity for early diagnosis. This innovative method can identify infections at low parasite densities, aiding global malaria elimination efforts.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Optics
- Parasitology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Current malaria diagnostics (microscopy, antigen tests) have limited sensitivity at low parasite densities, hindering malaria elimination.
- There is a critical need for sensitive diagnostic tools capable of detecting malaria early and at low parasite levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and assess an innovative optical device for malaria diagnosis.
- To detect malaria parasites by quantifying haemozoin using optical reflectance spectrophotometry.
Main Methods:
- Designed and characterized eight thin-film optical filters (MgO/TiO2 and SiO2/TiO2 multilayers).
- Utilized optical reflectance spectrophotometry to quantify haemozoin in red blood cells.
- Assessed the device's ability to distinguish between uninfected and Plasmodium falciparum-infected samples.
Main Results:
- The optical filters, despite non-ideal performance, enabled spectral reconstruction of red blood cells.
- The device successfully distinguished between healthy and malaria-infected samples.
- Achieved a detection limit of 12 parasites/μL of red blood cells.
Conclusions:
- The developed optical device shows significant potential for sensitive malaria diagnostics.
- The method's ability to detect low parasite densities supports its use in malaria elimination strategies.
- This approach offers a promising avenue for non-invasive malaria diagnosis.
