Issue 3, 2020

Detection of cardiovascular disease associated miR-29a using paper-based microfluidics and surface enhanced Raman scattering

Abstract

The development of viable point-of-care diagnostic formats is integral to achieving better patient care and improved outcomes. The need for robust and low-cost tests is especially important in under-resourced and rural settings. Perhaps the greatest challenge is ensuring that an untrained individual is capable of operating and interpreting the test, out with a care facility. Here we present a paper-based diagnostic device capable of sensing miR-29a using both colorimetric and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) analysis. Rather, than carry out the two types of analyses in tandem, we envisage that the colorimetric output is easy enough to be interpreted by the untrained-individual administering the test to provide them with qualitative feedback. If deemed positive, the test can be further validated at a centralized care facility using a handheld-Raman spectrometer to provide a semi-quantitative result. Detection of miR-29a, a microRNA associated with myocardial infarction, was achieved at a level of pg μL−1 through the combination of three-dimensional paper-based microfluidics, colorimetric detection, and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) analysis. RGB analysis of the colorimetric output generated from samples containing miR-29a at different concentrations (18–360 pg μL−1) showed differentiation from the control sample, however significant repeat variability indicated that it could not be used for quantifying miR-29a levels. However, the SERS analysis exhibited greater reproducibility at varying concentrations, achieving an LoD of 47 pg μL−1. The union of the paper-based device and the two analysis methods resulted in the production of a sensitive, reproducible and facile, point of care test (POCT), which paves the way for future implementation in the diagnosis of a range of diseases.

Graphical abstract: Detection of cardiovascular disease associated miR-29a using paper-based microfluidics and surface enhanced Raman scattering

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
05 9 2019
Accepted
28 11 2019
First published
28 11 2019

Analyst, 2020,145, 983-991

Author version available

Detection of cardiovascular disease associated miR-29a using paper-based microfluidics and surface enhanced Raman scattering

S. Mabbott, S. C. Fernandes, M. Schechinger, G. L. Cote, K. Faulds, C. R. Mace and D. Graham, Analyst, 2020, 145, 983 DOI: 10.1039/C9AN01748H

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements