Multiplex logic processing isothermal diagnostic assays for an evolving virus

Sanchita Bhadra; Miguel A. Saldaña; Hannah Grace Han; Grant L. Hughes; Andrew D. Ellington

In conclusion, our smart molecular diagnostic overcomes the principal challenges faced by most iNAATs -non-specific amplification, false negatives, and false positives -while maintaining an easy-to-use user-interface. This assay platform should be of greatest utility for the development of disposable point-of-care devices. Despite performing multi-component analytical operations, the molecular computations are hidden from the user in a one-pot reaction that can both directly receive the sample and emanate visual results. We have previously demonstrated that the ready-to-use LAMP-OSD assay mixes can be lyophilized and stored for extended durations without loss of activity. 13 These various features should minimize device intricacies, and in turn reduce cost, especially since only two protein enzymes and a single fluorophore-quencher pair are required. Most importantly, the molecular probes can be configured to capture both current and future fast-evolving targets, such as the Zika viruses, with both greater breadth and greater accuracy than existing tests.