Portable Fluorescence Microarray Reader-Enabled Biomarker Panel Detection System for Point-of-Care Diagnosis of Lupus...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Diagnostic Technology
• Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Background:

• Point-of-care (POC) testing offers rapid diagnostics but often lacks sensitivity and multiplexing for complex diseases.
• Lupus nephritis (LN) requires comprehensive biomarker analysis for effective management.
• Existing POC systems may not meet the analytical demands for multi-biomarker detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an LED-based fluorescence reader for multiplexed POC detection of LN biomarkers.
• To assess the reader's performance against a gold-standard laser scanner.
• To evaluate the potential of this technology for resource-limited settings.

Main Methods:

• An LED fluorescence reader with integrated neutral density filters and onboard image processing was designed.
• A biomarker microarray (BMA) slide was used for multiplex detection of five LN biomarkers.
• Performance was validated using standard curves and patient samples, compared to a Genepix laser scanner.

Main Results:

• The LED reader demonstrated high correlation (r = 0.96-0.98) with the Genepix system.
• Robust signal-to-noise ratios and excellent reproducibility were achieved for all five biomarkers.
• The multiplex format effectively reduced sample volume and enabled simultaneous analysis.

Conclusions:

• The developed LED fluorescence reader provides a portable, cost-effective solution for high-performance POC diagnostics.
• This technology bridges the gap between laboratory precision and POC accessibility for complex diseases like LN.
• It enhances the feasibility of routine monitoring and early intervention, especially in resource-limited environments.