Three-Dimensional-Printed Instrument for Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification with Real-Time Colorimetric Imaging.

Isothermal amplification methods have become popular in research due to the simplicity of the technology needed to run the reactions. Specifically, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has been widely used for various applications since first reported in 2000. LAMP reactions are commonly monitored with the use of colorimetry.

Rapid, inexpensive fabrication of electrophoretic microdevices for fluorescence detection.

The laser print, cut, and laminate (PCL) method for microfluidic device fabrication can be leveraged for rapid and inexpensive prototyping of electrophoretic microchips useful for optimizing separation conditions. The rapid prototyping capability allows the evaluation of fluidic architecture, applied fields, reagent concentrations, and sieving matrix, all within the context of using fluorescence-compatible substrates. Cyclic olefin copolymer and toner-coated polyethylene terephthalate (tPeT) were utilized with the PCL technique and bonding methods optimized to improve device durability during electrophoresis.

Optimization of novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification with colorimetric image analysis for forensic body fluid identification.

Accurate presumptive and confirmatory test use for forensic body fluid identification is essential for gaining contextual information for crime scene investigators. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is an ideal method for forensic body fluid identification because it is highly specific and generates multi-sized amplicon DNA, and successful amplification results can be read out colorimetrically. Here, we show preliminary data on a LAMP method that rapidly identifies body fluids including venous blood, semen, and saliva, based on colorimetric response and image analysis.

Digital postprocessing and image segmentation for objective analysis of colorimetric reactions.

Recently, there has been an explosion of scientific literature describing the use of colorimetry for monitoring the progression or the endpoint result of colorimetric reactions. The availability of inexpensive imaging technology (e.g.

Comparative Evaluation and Quantitative Analysis of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Indicators.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) as a diagnostic tool is rapidly gaining recognition and maturity. Among various advantages over traditional polymerase chain reaction, the ability to visually detect amplification by the incorporation of colorimetric indicators is one of its most unique features. There is an overwhelming variety of LAMP indicators in the literature, yet a comprehensive comparative study is lacking.

Automated microchannel alignment using innate opto-signature for microchip electrophoresis.

In laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection, optimal alignment is essential in maximizing the fluorescent signal and, hence, detection sensitivity. Micro-total analysis systems (μTAS) involving microchip electrophoresis (ME) are challenged with alignment of the optics to the separation channel each run due to the single-use nature. Furthermore, μTAS devices that are designed to operate autonomously and by non-experts face additional challenges in performing alignment with micrometer resolution without human intervention.

Rapid sperm lysis and novel screening approach for human male DNA via colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification.

Correct identification of probative samples is the first crucial step in the analysis of sexual assault kits (SAKs). We report a nucleic acid-based approach, as an alternative to the widely utilized p30 assay, to screening male DNA from SAKs collected from female victims by combining a rapid lysis protocol with an isothermal amplification method. The enzymatic lysis protocol efficiently digests biological material to release nuclear DNA in 10 min in a single closed tube, including resilient cell types such as sperm cells.