A highly-simplified nucleic-acid microfluidic test device based on capillary wicking action for point-of-care diagnostics

On-chip devices for point-of-care diagnostics are excellent options for rapid and low-cost testing. However, there are not many fully integrated on-chip nucleic-acid tests reported in literature. Here, we propose a palm-sized `chip' in which solid-phase extraction, isothermal enzymatic amplification (LAMP) and real-time fluorescence detection are integrated. The device operates with one moving part; fluid actuation and control is effected by capillary wicking action of absorbent materials, requiring no external pumping or power.