Fast and sensitive detection of nucleic acids is key in the diagnosis of infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Although polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays set the benchmark, they require expensive equipment and expert technicians, resulting in a long time to result and limited access in low-resource settings.
We developed a bioluminescent nucleic acid sensor (LUNAS), which detects DNA through an increase in blue light that can be read out using a simple digital camera. LUNAS is easily integrated with isothermal amplification, providing PCR-like sensitivities in a rapid one-pot assay. The platform is further expanded by engineering green- and red-colored LUNAS variants that allow for multiplexed detection of different DNA targets.
We aim to integrate the LUNAS assay into cheap microfluidic devices to simplify the experimental procedure, creating a diagnostic tool that is user-friendly and particularly suitable for application in a point-of-care setting.
Speaker: Yosta de Stigter, TU Eindhoven