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 produce a DNA strand as an output, and to then use the output DNA to initiate isothermal amplification (ITA), will then be described.  Finally, the printing of specific “modules” for recognition (FNA), amplification (via ITA) and detection onto paper devices will be described as a way to generate a range of new POC devices that allow facile detection of a range of clinical analytes.  Examples will be provided to demonstrate multi-step reactions on paper for ultra-sensitive detection of E. coli, C. difficile, MRSA and H. pylori.