A-367 Development of a Novel Handheld Platform for Real-time Fluorescence-based Nucleic Acid Detection

Abstract Background Real-time fluorescent nucleic acid detection systems are usually large and complex to operate. In the past three years, the pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 has sparked a variety of point-of-care testing (POCT) nucleic acid detection platforms. However, most of these platforms need to be paired with specific reagents, and many detection reagents on the market cannot be applied to these POCT platforms. Methods In this research, a novel handheld real-time nucleic acid detection device was invented. The device uses a heating element to adjust the temperature in time with a sensor to ensure accuracy. The optical detection module is highly scalable and can be extended up to 6 fluorescence channels. The FAM and HEX fluorescence channels were utilized in this experiment. This platform is open and can adjust temperature for various types of isothermal nucleic acid detection, such as LAMP, RPA, and RCA. Results We used a commercial COVID-19 reagent kit with our device to get results in just 30 minutes, detecting SARS-CoV-2 virus as little as 500 copies/mL. Our system provides a reliable and efficient tool for COVID-19 testing in a variety of settings. Conclusion The handheld device was also used to test for flu A and mycobacterium tuberculosis, with good results. This device can be used not only for pathogen detection of human diseases, but also in pathogen detection for animals and plants, food safety, environmental monitoring, and other fields, thus expanding the application range of nucleic acid detection and making it simpler and more convenient to use.