The QolorEX Diagnostic Platform

QolorEX combines several innovative technologies into a single, integrated platform. The system is composed of a microfluidic cartridge and an imaging box. The cartridge, designed for easy sample collection and processing, integrates nanoplasmonic sensors that accelerate nucleic acid amplification reactions through plasmonic “hot” electron injection. This enhancement leads to a significant increase in the reaction kinetics, enabling rapid and sensitive detection of nucleic acid biomarkers at the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) level.

The imaging box automates the process, using a smartphone application to control the sequential steps of the assay. The plasmonic nano-surfaces within the cartridge amplify the colorimetric signals generated during the reaction, allowing for quick and accurate quantification of the target nucleic acids.

The result is a ninefold increase in reaction kinetics compared to standard methods, reducing the time required for amplification to under 10 minutes. This rapid reaction is accompanied by a color change in the medium, shifting from fuchsia to yellow, which is easily detected and quantified using the QolorEX system.

Design and Operation

The QolorEX system is designed for ease of use and portability, making it suitable for deployment in various settings, including clinics and remote locations. The microfluidic cartridge is equipped with several innovative features, such as self-assembly plasmonic sensing chambers and tunable angle-dependent fluidic actuation, which allow for precise control over reagent mixing and reaction timing. The system also includes a built-in heating chamber for sample lysis and a smartphone-controlled imaging system for real-time monitoring of the assay.

Diagnostic Capabilities

To demonstrate the effectiveness of QolorEX, the researchers conducted a series of experiments focusing on the detection of respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus (IAV). The system was able to detect viral RNA in saliva samples with an accuracy of 95%, comparable to that of traditional qPCR methods. Moreover, the entire diagnostic process, from sample collection to result interpretation, was completed in just 13 minutes.

QolorEX’s sensitivity was further validated through its ability to detect various SARS-CoV-2 variants at the SNP level, showcasing its potential for monitoring emerging viral strains. The platform’s versatility was also demonstrated by its ability to detect bacterial pathogens, highlighting its broad applicability in clinical diagnostics.

Implications and Future Directions

The QolorEX platform represents a significant advancement in the field of molecular diagnostics. Its combination of speed, sensitivity, and ease of use makes it an ideal candidate for POC applications, particularly in resource–limited settings where traditional diagnostic methods are impractical. The integration of machine learning for data analysis further enhances the system’s potential for widespread adoption.

Future research will likely focus on expanding the range of detectable pathogens and optimizing the platform for even faster and more accurate diagnostics. The QolorEX system could play a crucial role in improving global health outcomes by enabling rapid and reliable pathogen detection, ultimately leading to better disease management and control.

Conclusion

In summary, the QolorEX diagnostic platform offers a revolutionary approach to nucleic acid amplification and detection, leveraging nanoplasmonic amplification to deliver rapid, sensitive, and portable diagnostics. Its application in detecting respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, underscores its potential as a critical tool in the fight against infectious diseases.

For those interested in the detailed methodology and data, please refer to the original article in Nature Nanotechnology by Tamer AbdElFatah et. al Nanoplasmonic amplification in microfluidics enables accelerated colorimetric quantification of nucleic acid biomarkers from pathogens