Integrated Microfluidic-Based Platforms for On-Site Detection and Quantification of Infectious Pathogens: Towards On-Site Medical Translation of SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostic Platforms

Abstract

The rapid detection and quantification of infectious pathogens is an essential component to the control of potentially lethal outbreaks among human populations worldwide. Several of these highly infectious pathogens, such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), have been cemented in human history as causing epidemics or pandemics due to their lethality and contagiousness. SARS-CoV-2 is an example of these highly infectious pathogens that have recently become one of the leading causes of globally reported deaths, creating one of the worst economic downturns and health crises in the last century. As a result, the necessity for highly accurate and increasingly rapid on-site diagnostic platforms for highly infectious pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, has grown dramatically over the last two years. Current conventional non-microfluidic diagnostic techniques have limitations in their effectiveness as on-site devices due to their large turnaround times, operational costs and the need for laboratory equipment. In this review, we first present criteria, both novel and previously determined, as a foundation for the development of effective and viable on-site microfluidic diagnostic platforms for several notable pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. This list of criteria includes standards that were set out by the WHO, as well as our own “seven pillars” for effective microfluidic integration. We then evaluate the use of microfluidic integration to improve upon currently, and previously, existing platforms for the detection of infectious pathogens. Finally, we discuss a stage-wise means to translate our findings into a fundamental framework towards the development of more effective on-site SARS-CoV-2 microfluidic-integrated platforms that may facilitate future pandemic diagnostic and research endeavors. Through microfluidic integration, many limitations in currently existing infectious pathogen diagnostic platforms can be eliminated or improved upon.

Perspective Chapter: Microfluidic Technologies for On-Site Detection and Quantification of Infectious Diseases – The Experience with SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19

“…Although the pandemic is an ongoing issue, there are two major time periods which each contain several important milestones in the evolution and management of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first year preceded the mass administration and distribution of vaccines and diagnostic testing [2]. While the second year saw more focus on the amelioration of the post-mass-vaccination testing capabilities and societal norms of countries worldwide [6].…”

“…In the pre-vaccination stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, between December 2019 and 2020, most people's "experience" with COVID-19 included a constant fear of unknowingly being infected with SARS-CoV-2 [1][2][3][4]. At the time, a significant amount of immune-compromised and seemingly healthy individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 were readily being admitted to the hospital with a range of symptoms as mild as incessant coughs to more severe symptoms such as shortness of breath and even death [4].…”

“…As a result of the pandemic, people, businesses, and governments alike have been forced to adapt to continuously changing situations. The changes in people's daily routines, workplace habits, and social interactions over the past 2 years, only account for a fraction of the seemingly permanent COVID-19-induced changes [2]. Otherwise known as the COVID-19 experience, these adaptations and changes to our society are not limited to the experiences of average citizens.…”

“…Otherwise known as the COVID-19 experience, these adaptations and changes to our society are not limited to the experiences of average citizens. SARS-CoV-2 has also fundamentally altered how institutions such as the healthcare industry and governments respond to potentially pandemic-level infectious diseases, both in terms of diagnostic capabilities and social practices [2].…”

“…Without an accurate means of diagnosing individuals for SARS-CoV-2, there were no reliable means for quickly managing potential outbreaks and secondary infections. The high risk of lethality and seemingly permanent post-infection symptoms thus prompted urgent and necessary advancements in vaccine technology, but more importantly in diagnostic technology [1][2][3][4].…”