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Updated: Sep 25, 2025
Microfluidic Chip Fabrication and Method to Detect Influenza
Published on: March 26, 2013
A rapid multiplex nucleic acid detection system of airborne fungi by an integrated DNA release device and
Huijun Lu1, Jinhui Zhu1, Tong Zhang1
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China.
Abstract:
Occupational health problems, such as asthma, in specific work environments arise from the presence of airborne fungi. Rapid detection of pathogenic airborne fungi is therefore important to reduce or avoid any adverse effects on staff health. Herein, we established a new integrated rapid Lyticase-Motor-Chemical reagent nucleic acid releasing (LMC) method for the release of fungal DNA. Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Cryptococcus neoformans were chosen to evaluate the LMC method. The results of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) analyses showed that this method could release the nucleic acid of 4 × 104 fungal spores, equaling to 400 copies per microliter. This rapid multiplex nucleic acid detection system of airborne fungi included an integrated DNA release device and a portable microfluidic chip. The integrated DNA release device combined mechanical lysing and biochemical reagent treatment to automate DNA release. The microfluidic chip was capable of multiplex nucleic acid detection. The detection limit of this system was 4 × 104 spores per test, meeting the requirement of early warnings. The whole analysis from the sample input to readout could be completed within 90 min, including 30 min for fungal DNA release and 45 min for LAMP analysis. The integrated DNA release device and microfluidic chip were portable, showing tremendous potential in point-of-care tests of airborne fungi.
Insights
A new Lyticase-Motor-Chemical (LMC) method rapidly releases fungal DNA for quick detection of airborne fungi like Aspergillus and Cryptococcus. This integrated system offers early warnings for occupational health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Occupational health
- Molecular diagnostics
Background:
- Airborne fungi pose significant occupational health risks, including asthma.
- Rapid detection of pathogenic airborne fungi is crucial for mitigating adverse health effects in workplaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an integrated rapid method for releasing fungal DNA.
- To establish a portable system for multiplex nucleic acid detection of airborne fungi.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel Lyticase-Motor-Chemical (LMC) reagent method for automated fungal DNA release.
- Integrated the LMC method with a portable microfluidic chip for Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) analysis.
- Evaluated the system using Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Cryptococcus neoformans.
Main Results:
- The LMC method successfully released nucleic acid from 4 × 10^4 fungal spores (400 copies/µL).
- The integrated system achieved a detection limit of 4 × 10^4 spores per test, suitable for early warnings.
- The entire analysis, from sample input to readout, was completed within 90 minutes.
Conclusions:
- The integrated rapid DNA release and multiplex detection system provides a fast and portable solution for airborne fungi.
- This technology shows significant potential for point-of-care testing in occupational health settings.
- The LMC method enhances the efficiency of fungal DNA release for diagnostic applications.
