Abstract

Integrating Aptamer Technology with Paper-Based Point-of-Care Devices for Biomedical Monitoring

John D. Brennan, Director, McMaster University

DNA aptamers and DNA enzymes (denoted as functional nucleic acids or FNA) are an emerging platform for development of point-of-care (POC) diagnostic devices.  In this presentation, I will first focus on the development of new aptamers and DNA enzymes for a range of key biomarkers and their integration into colorimetric and fluorimetric assays for a variety of targets, mainly in the area of infectious disease.  Methods to couple target-binding to FNAs to the production of a DNA strand as an output will then be described.  The use the output DNA to directly initiate color production or produce isothermal amplification (ITA), will then be outlined.  Finally, the integration of the FNA assays into capillary flow-based paper devices will be described as platform for a range of new POC devices that allow facile detection of clinical analytes.  Examples will be provided outlining paper-based devices for ultra-sensitive detection of E. coli, C. difficile, MRSA and H. pylori.