A simple and innovative sample preparation method for on-site SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnostics

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Biotechnology
• Diagnostics

Background:

• Nucleic acid amplification is crucial for diagnostics but hampered by complex extraction.
• Current methods are time-consuming and require laboratory equipment.
• Need for accessible, rapid nucleic acid extraction, especially for field applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an equipment-free nucleic acid extraction system.
• To simplify and accelerate sample preparation for molecular diagnostics.
• To improve accessibility and affordability of nucleic acid extraction.

Main Methods:

• Utilized silica membranes and silica-coated beads for nucleic acid binding and elution.
• Developed an innovative, equipment-free nucleic acid extraction squeeze system.
• Tested eluent compatibility with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and loop-mediated amplification (LAMP) assays.

Main Results:

• Achieved efficient nucleic acid extraction from raw samples in under 20 minutes.
• The extracted nucleic acids demonstrated high purity and quantity suitable for qPCR and LAMP.
• The system enhanced assay specificity and sensitivity due to improved sample purity.

Conclusions:

• The developed system offers a simple, user-friendly, and low-cost solution for nucleic acid extraction.
• This equipment-free method increases accessibility for researchers and untrained users.
• The system accelerates disease detection when combined with qPCR or LAMP, particularly in resource-limited settings.