Paper-Based All-in-One Origami Microdevice for Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing for Rapid Colorimetric Identification of Live Cells for Point-of-Care Testing

Abstract

We report herein the colorimetric identification of live cells based on a nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) methodology using an all-in-one origami paper microdevice integrated with DNA purification, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and on-site colorimetric detection. First, origami paper was partially embossed to create microchannel networks and chambers. Subsequently, hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane prepolymer was coated onto the embossed paper to stabilize the structures on paper and provide fluid barriers. The paper microdevice was composed of splitting, purification, wicking, reaction, and dye pads folded alternatively to accomplish sensitive and specific NAAT. For the viability assay, propidium monoazide (PMA) was employed to penetrate dead cells and form covalent bonds with necrotic cell DNA; thus, amplification can be solely performed with DNA obtained from live bacterial cells. Purification functionality was implemented into the microdevice using chitosan to electrostatically capture DNA. Herein, methylene blue, which is typically used for electrochemical detection, is introduced for the first time for colorimetric detection of LAMP amplicons. This origami paper microdevice was successfully applied to determine the viability of foodborne pathogens, such as Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp., in which amplification was performed for 30 min followed by the execution of the colorimetric method for 10 min, thereby demonstrating tremendous potential for multiplexing and versatility for point-of-care applications. The introduced origami paper microdevice could be an attractive substitute as an instantaneous and convenient screening tool for the identification of viable pathogens in the control and monitoring of foodborne outbreaks in low-resource environments.