A Miniaturized Device for Performing PCR, Integrated with an Electrochemical DNA Biosensor for Detection of Corynebacterium Diphtheriae

摘要

Corynebacterium diphtheriae by secreting harmful toxin causes lethal disease called diphtheria. It occurs mainly in underdeveloped areas of the world with low vaccination rate. Rapid detection of this pathogen is crucial to prevent serious health complications of the patient and spreading of the epidemic. As an alternative to time-consuming phenotypic analysis, a device has been designed, which allows the fast detection of the pathogen based on biological interactions at the molecular level, which reduces the risk of error. This device consists of a microfluidic system for performing a fast polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which is integrated with a DNA biosensor. It enables fast and unambiguous detection of bacteria in the sample, therefore it can be potentially used as a point-of-care device.