Portable Pathogen Detection Device (startfish-avocado)

One in six Americans suffer from food-borne diseases every year. One cause of this is the lack of fast and accurate diagnostic services. P2D2, a cheap, portable, and easy-touse point-of-care platform for the detection of pathogens based on the presence of DNA in fluid samples can alleviate this problem. Such a project was made possible through several innovations: By using the LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) DNA amplification process in lieu of PCR (polymerase chain reaction), heating requirements are simplified as the detection routine is isothermal. A single-use disposable microfluidic cassette with stored reagents is used as a base on which to run the diagnostic routine on the sample. Fluid actuation is achieved with a single pump and multiple wax valves. The device leverages the ubiquity of smartphones by using an application on the user’s phone to connect to the diagnostic device, execute the test procedure, capture images of the sample, and process the diagnosis. The device’s heating and lighting systems use low cost components, reducing price and increasing portability. Overall, the P2D2 provides a cheap, portable, and easy-to-use mode of diagnosis that has the potential to change the nature of diagnostic health care.