Hydration Reaction-Powered DNA Analysis Kit for Non-Instrumented Point-of-Care Diagnostics

This study presents the development of an innovative, non-instrumented, single-use DNA analysis system designed for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. The system integrates a hydration reaction–driven microfluidic device with an exothermic reaction–based recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) module. By harnessing a spontaneous hydration reaction, the platform achieves self-powered actuation, allowing for precise control of reagent flow without the need for external power sources. This dual-function mechanism is novel in that it eliminates the need for external instrumentation for both pumping and thermal regulation, an unprecedented combination for temperature-sensitive DNA amplification workflows. The system completes the full DNA analysis process, including extraction, amplification, and detection, within one hour, demonstrating both efficiency and suitability for rapid diagnostics. Unlike conventional passive pumps that operate for only a few minutes, this platform maintains stable performance for over 2 h. In addition, the design emphasizes manufacturability and cost-effectiveness by utilizing scalable, low-cost materials and employing commercially available optical adhesive films as microvalves, thereby avoiding reliance on complex microfabricated chips. These features establish a robust, fully disposable platform well-suited for resource-limited settings. Further evaluation is warranted, particularly regarding characterization through naked-eye detection of amplified target DNA. Ultimately, this system could serve as a strong foundation for a comprehensive POC DNA analysis solution.