Enhancing the Yield of a Lab-on-a-Disk-Based Single-Image Parasite Quantification Device

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Parasitology
• Microfluidics

Background:

• The single-image parasite quantification (SIMPAQ) platform using Lab-on-a-Disc (LOD) technology shows promise for soil-transmitted helminth (STH) egg detection.
• Previous SIMPAQ designs faced limitations due to fluid dynamics (Euler and Coriolis forces) and particle-wall interactions within the LOD chamber, affecting detection efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate an improved SIMPAQ LOD device design that overcomes previous limitations.
• To enhance the yield and accuracy of parasite egg detection and analysis using the modified SIMPAQ platform.

Main Methods:

• A novel design modification was implemented in the SIMPAQ LOD device.
• Experiments were conducted using both synthetic particles and real parasite eggs to assess the new design's performance.
• Quantification of particle and egg transport efficiency to the field of view was performed.

Main Results:

• The improved SIMPAQ LOD design demonstrated a substantial increase in device yield.
• Over 90% of parasite eggs and 98% of synthetic model particles were successfully transported to the field of view.
• The new design effectively mitigates issues caused by tangential forces and particle-wall interactions.

Conclusions:

• The proposed design modification offers a simple yet effective solution to enhance SIMPAQ LOD device performance.
• This advancement holds significant potential for improving field-based diagnostics of soil-transmitted helminths.
• Further research will integrate this improved design into next-generation SIMPAQ devices for STH detection.