Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 11, 2026
On-site DNA Detection of Trypanosomatid Parasites and Nosema ceranae Through Alkaline Lysis Coupled to RPA/CRISPR/Cas12a System
Published on: July 18, 2025
Nanoplasmonic real-time RT-RPA and CRISPR/Cas12a detection for rapid point-of-care molecular diagnostics
Eun-Sil Yu1, Hyowon Jang2, Jae-Myeong Kwon1
1Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea; KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology (KIHST), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
This study introduces a portable plasmonic photothermal platform for rapid nucleic acid detection. The device enables real-time disease diagnosis at the point-of-care, offering a cost-effective solution for infectious disease testing.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Accurate nucleic acid detection is vital for point-of-care (POC) disease diagnosis.
- Current POC methods require improvement in speed, precision, and cost-effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a compact, integrated platform for real-time nucleic acid amplification and detection.
- To enable rapid molecular diagnostics in decentralized settings.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a palm-sized plasmonic photothermal platform with a nanoplasmonic cavity (PNC) for uniform heating.
- Integrated recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and CRISPR/Cas12a detection in a single microchamber.
- Employed a fluorescence microlens array (FMLA) camera for real-time monitoring.
Main Results:
- Successfully detected the SARS-CoV-2 E gene in 25 minutes with a limit of detection of 25.7 copies per cartridge.
- Achieved 100% concordance with RT-qPCR using 42 clinical samples.
- Demonstrated efficient and uniform photothermal heating using Au nanoislands (AuNIs) and an aluminum reflector.
Conclusions:
- The developed all-in-one platform provides a robust and cost-effective solution for molecular diagnostics.
- Facilitates scalable and real-time infectious disease testing in POC environments.
- Highlights the potential of plasmonic photothermal technology for advanced diagnostics.
