Hundreds-Dollar-Level Multiplex Integrated RT-qPCR Quantitative System for Field Detection

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Medical Diagnostics
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Real-time PCR is vital for COVID-19 diagnosis but inaccessible in many developing nations.
• Lack of portable, affordable PCR equipment hinders timely on-site disease detection and outbreak control.
• Existing diagnostic methods face delays due to sample transportation to central laboratories.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a low-cost, portable, multiplexed real-time fluorescence detection apparatus for on-site disease testing.
• To address the need for accessible molecular diagnostic tools in resource-limited settings.
• To enable rapid and sensitive on-site testing for diverse diseases.

Main Methods:

• Development of the HDLRT-qPCR apparatus, a novel, low-cost, multiplexed real-time fluorescence detection instrument.
• Testing the apparatus for gradient amplification and melting curve analysis.
• Validation of the instrument's performance against commercially available equipment.

Main Results:

• The HDLRT-qPCR apparatus achieved gradient amplification and melting curves comparable to commercial equipment.
• Testing outcomes demonstrated good consistency and reliability in detecting target genes.
• The entire instrument cost is under USD 760, making it highly affordable.

Conclusions:

• The developed HDLRT-qPCR instrument provides a reliable, inexpensive solution for on-site molecular diagnostics.
• This portable PCR device significantly accelerates testing speed, delivering results within 40 minutes.
• The apparatus is suitable for diverse disease investigations in developing nations, enhancing public health response.