A facile microfluidic chip design for DNA detection using dengue serotypes as a proof-of-concept case study

Area of Science:

• Medical Diagnostics
• Microfluidics
• Virology

Background:

• Dengue fever is a significant global health concern caused by four distinct dengue virus (DENV) serotypes.
• Distinguishing between DENV serotypes is crucial due to the lack of cross-protective immunity and increased risk of severe dengue with secondary infections.
• Current diagnostic methods like RT-PCR and ELISA require laboratory settings, hindering rapid on-field diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simplified, semi-automated detection module for on-field dengue serotype diagnosis.
• To design and fabricate a multi-channel microfluidic chip for simultaneous detection of multiple dengue serotypes.
• To enable automated colorimetric analysis of dengue virus serotypes using smartphone technology.

Main Methods:

• Conceptualization and fabrication of a downstream detection module integrated with modular microfluidic chips.
• Design of a 6-channel bi-assay microfluidic chip with pre-loaded diluent and cyanine dye.
• Integration of membranes for simultaneous fluidic manipulation and colorimetric analysis of positive and negative controls with test samples.

Main Results:

• The 6-channel microfluidic chip successfully enabled simultaneous fluidic manipulation from a single actuation source.
• Positive dengue virus samples induced a color change in the cyanine dye from blue to violet.
• Negative controls remained blue, providing clear visual contrast for serotype identification.

Conclusions:

• The developed microfluidic chip offers a promising platform for rapid, on-field dengue serotype diagnosis.
• The integrated colorimetric detection system facilitates automated analysis via smartphone, enhancing accessibility and speed.
• This technology has the potential to significantly improve dengue surveillance and patient management strategies.