Multiplex Microfluidic Paper-based Immunoassay for the Diagnosis of Hepatitis
C Virus Infection
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Abstract
Hepatitis
C virus (HCV) infection is a serious and rising global
healthcare problem. One critical challenge to tackle this disease
is the lack of adequate diagnosis. Here, we develop a multiplex microfluidic
paper-based immunoassay, as a novel diagnostic approach, to detect
human IgG antibody against HCV (anti-HCV). The paper substrate, highly
flammable nitrocellulose (NC), is patterned under ambient temperature
by craft punch patterning (CPP) to generate multiple test zones. On
the basis of superior merits of patterned paper, this new diagnostic
approach demonstrates the key novelty to unprecedentedly combine segmented
diagnostic assays into a single multiplex test. The generated diagnostic
results are not only informative but can be rapidly and cost-effectively
delivered. It would significantly transform the clinical pathway for
unwitting individuals with HCV infection. This work highlights the
promising role of microfluidic paper-based immunoassays in tackling
the diagnostic challenge for the HCV pandemic as well as other diseases