Rapid PCR kit: lateral flow paper strip with Joule heater for SARS-CoV-2 detection
Kihyeun Kim, Bobin Lee, Jun Hyeok Park, Ji‐Ho Park, Ki Joong Lee, Tae Joon Kwak, Taehwang Son, Yong‐Beom Shin, Hyungsoon Im, Min‐Gon Kim
Abstract
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostic kits for point-of-care (POC) testing are highly desirable to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Here, we demonstrate a rapid PCR testing kit that involves integrating a lateral flow paper strip with a nichrome-based thin film heater. The use of a paper membrane as a PCR-solution container results in fast thermocycling without a cooler because the membrane can contain the solution with a high specific surface area where Joule heating is applied. After PCR, amplified products are simultaneously detected at the lateral flow paper strip with the naked eye. Severe acute respiratory syndrome β-coronavirus RNA can be detected within 30 min after PCR solution injection. This work reveals that the paper membrane can act as not only a capillary flow channel but also as a promising platform for fast PCR and detection.