Lab-on-PCB with integrated DNA amplification and electroanalytical detection for point-of-care diagnostics

Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are powerful medical diagnostic tools for point-of-care (POC) and other field applications. However, traditional methods like quantitative PCR (qPCR) require complex, expensive equipment and trained operators, limiting their use to centralized labs. Isothermal alternatives, like Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP), are better adapted for POC devices. Lab-on-PCB systems have the potential to overcome the challenges faced by conventional microfabrication-based systems. This study presents a novel lab-on-PCB device for nucleic acid amplification and electrochemical detection using reverse transcription LAMP (RT-LAMP) of SARS-CoV-2. The system consists of two disposable PCB-based chips making it close to zero cost. One PCB is for heating and nucleic acid amplification, while the other is for electrochemical detection using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) with a redox-active intercalator. The PCB slides are connected to a compact electronic device (< 10 USD) for controlling the heating and electroanalytical readout. Using this device, we achieved successful rapid (< 1.5 h) nucleic acid amplification and detection at a target concentration of 10 copies/reaction. This work represents a notable step toward developing integrated, portable NAAT devices for POC diagnostics.