The point-of-care-testing of nucleic acids by chip, cartridge and paper sensors

Point-of-care nucleic acid testing (POCNAT) has played an important role in the outbreak of infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19) over recent years. POCNAT aims to realize the rapid, simple and automatic detection of nucleic acid. Thanks to the development of manufacturing technology, electronic information technology, artificial intelligence technology, and biological information technology in recent years, the development of the POCNAT device has led to significant advancement. Instead of the normal nucleic acid detection methods used in the laboratory, some novel experimental carriers have been applied, such as chips, cartridges and papers. The application of these experimental carriers has realized the automation and integration of nucleic acid detection. The entire process of nucleic acid detection is normally divided into three steps (nucleic acid extraction, target amplification and signal detection). All of the reagents required by the process can be pre-stored on these experimental carriers, without unnecessary manual operation. Furthermore, all of the processes are carried out in this experimental carrier, with the assistance of a specific control device. Although they are complicated to manufacture and precise in design, their application provides a significant step forwards in nucleic acid detection and realizes the integration of nucleic acid detection. This technology has great potential in the field of point-of-care molecular diagnostics in the future. This paper focuses on the relevant content of these experimental carriers. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Automated summary

Point-of-care nucleic acid testing (POCNAT) plays a crucial role in infectious disease outbreaks, offering rapid, simple, and automated detection of nucleic acid. Leveraging advancements in technology, novel experimental carriers like chips, cartridges, and papers have been employed for automated nucleic acid detection, marking significant progress in the field.