An Ultra-Compact and Low-Cost LAMP-Based Virus Detection Device

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Medical Diagnostics
• Point-of-Care Testing

Background:

• Accurate and rapid viral detection is essential for managing infectious diseases.
• Existing diagnostic methods often require bulky, power-dependent equipment, limiting their use in remote areas.
• There is a need for portable, low-cost, and user-friendly diagnostic tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a compact, powerless, and low-cost portable device for isothermal nucleic acid amplification.
• To enable rapid and reliable detection of viruses, specifically targeting respiratory infectious diseases.
• To provide an accessible diagnostic solution for resource-limited settings.

Main Methods:

• Development of a portable, powerless isothermal amplification detection device (30 × 48 mm, ~$1 USD material cost).
• Utilized Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) combined with chromatographic-strip-based microporous permeation technology for temperature control.
• Integrated phase-change materials for sustained heating (50–70 °C for 49.8 min) and a mobile-phone-based colorimetric analysis system.

Main Results:

• The device achieved a limit of detection (LOD) of 103 copies/μL for SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus samples, comparable to conventional PCR methods.
• Demonstrated precise control of the exothermic reaction and effective heat preservation without external power or insulation.
• Validated the effectiveness and reliability of the device for viral detection.

Conclusions:

• The developed portable, powerless LAMP device offers a timely, low-cost, and user-friendly solution for respiratory infectious disease detection.
• This technology can significantly aid in curbing virus transmission and protecting public health, especially in areas lacking electricity or trained personnel.
• The device represents a significant advancement in point-of-care diagnostics for infectious diseases.