Microfluidic-based virus detection methods for respiratory diseases

Abstract

With the recent SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, the importance of rapid and direct detection of respiratory disease viruses has been well recognized. The detection of these viruses with novel technologies is vital in timely prevention and treatment strategies for epidemics and pandemics. Respiratory viruses can be detected from saliva, swab samples, nasal fluid, and blood, and collected samples can be analyzed by various techniques. Conventional methods for virus detection are based on techniques relying on cell culture, antigen-antibody interactions, and nucleic acids. However, these methods require trained personnel as well as expensive equipment. Microfluidic technologies, on the other hand, are one of the most accurate and specific methods to directly detect respiratory tract viruses. During viral infections, the production of detectable amounts of relevant antibodies takes a few days to weeks, hampering the aim of prevention. Alternatively, nucleic acid–based methods can directly detect the virus-specific RNA or DNA region, even before the immune response. There are numerous methods to detect respiratory viruses, but direct detection techniques have higher specificity and sensitivity than other techniques. This review aims to summarize the methods and technologies developed for microfluidic-based direct detection of viruses that cause respiratory infection using different detection techniques. Microfluidics enables the use of minimal sample volumes and thereby leading to a time, cost, and labor effective operation. Microfluidic-based detection technologies provide affordable, portable, rapid, and sensitive analysis of intact virus or virus genetic material, which is very important in pandemic and epidemic events to control outbreaks with an effective diagnosis.

Micro/nanotechnology-inspired rapid diagnosis of respiratory infectious diseases

“…The overview method of how microfluidic devices diagnose virus-based respiratory infectious diseases is shown in Fig. 16 [ 186 ]. Regarding the fabrication of a microfluidic chip on LOC, conventional methods (e.g., micro/nano-sized of computer numerical control machining, laser ablation, and the technology of micro-electro-mechanical systems) can be used.…”

“…16 Methods of the microfluidic chip to detect virus-based respiratory infectious diseases. Reprinted with permission from [ 186 ] …”

“…Tarim et al . introduced an effective diagnostic method using microfluidic techniques to solve the problems of the existing SARS-CoV-2 detection method, which requires a skilled workforce and expensive equipment [ 186 ]. They proved that the microfluidic diagnostic device they developed is portable while using minimal sample volumes, saving time, money, and labor.…”

Addressing the Global Challenges of COVID-19 and Other Pulmonary Diseases with Microfluidic Technology

“…Microfluidics can significantly increase the efficiency of diagnostic testing for many pulmonary diseases and thereby play a critical role in administering life-saving treatments and mitigating the spread of disease. Paper-based microfluidic devices [32] have also been used for pulmonary disease diagnostics; they have the unique advantage of further reducing manufacturing costs and minimizing the instrumentation required for analysis [33] . Microfluidics has been revolutionizing point-of-care technologies through its integration into commercial products (e.g., centrifugation-based microfluidics [34] ), combination with existing procedures (e.g., electrophoresis-based microfluidic manipulation [35] ), and iterative improvements in device design and user experience.…”

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

“…Both types of microfluidic systems can be leveraged as a complementary component to existing diagnostic tools to attain complete or partial automation, multiplexing and high throughput [ 32 , 33 ]. These medical diagnosis steps generally include sample preparation, sample collection and labeling, signal reading and data analysis.…”