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Ultrafast Plasmonic Nucleic Acid Amplification and Real-Time Quantification for Decentralized Molecular Diagnostics
Byoung-Hoon Kang1,2, Kyung-Won Jang1,2, Eun-Sil Yu1,2
1Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
ACS Nano
|March 27, 2023
Summary
This study introduces an ultrafast plasmonic real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) system for rapid, decentralized molecular diagnostics. The compact device enables quick detection of diseases like COVID-19 at the point-of-care.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Point-of-care testing (POCT) requires rapid, accurate, and cost-effective molecular diagnostic tools.
- Decentralized molecular diagnostics are crucial for primary care and resource-limited settings.
- Existing real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods can be time-consuming and require specialized facilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an ultrafast plasmonic nucleic acid amplification and real-time quantification system for decentralized molecular diagnostics.
- To create a compact, palm-sized device for point-of-care (POCT) applications.
- To demonstrate the system's capability for rapid diagnosis of viral RNA, such as SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- Development of an ultrafast plasmonic thermocycler (PTC) utilizing white-light-emitting diode illumination and resistance temperature detection for photothermal cycling.
- Integration of a disposable plastic-on-metal (PoM) cartridge for rapid heat transfer and light blocking.
- Incorporation of an ultrathin microlens array fluorescence (MAF) microscope for high-contrast imaging.
- System packaging into a palm-sized device for portability and POCT.
Main Results:
- The plasmonic real-time RT-PCR system achieved ultrafast diagnosis of coronavirus disease-19 RNA within 10 minutes.
- Demonstrated high amplification efficiency (95.6%) and classification accuracy (96.6%) in preoperational testing.
- Achieved 91% total percent agreement in clinical diagnostic testing.
- The compact system design facilitates decentralized molecular diagnostic testing.
Conclusions:
- The developed ultrafast plasmonic real-time RT-PCR system offers a rapid and efficient solution for decentralized molecular diagnostics.
- The system's portability and speed make it suitable for point-of-care applications, including in primary care and developing countries.
- This technology has the potential to significantly improve access to molecular diagnostic testing globally.
