Single-molecule and particle detection on true portable microscopy platforms
Lydia N. Skolrood, Yan Wang, Shengwei Zhang, Qingshan Wei
Abstract
Point-of-care technologies (POCT) that enable early disease detection and therapeutic monitoring are crucial for the next generation of diagnostics and personalized medicine. Meanwhile, there is a global need for low-cost POCT that makes advanced diagnostic tools accessible to resource-limited settings. Recently, several mobile imaging platforms for single-molecule and particle detection have been developed, which greatly improve the detection sensitivity of molecular assays. This review highlights emerging technologies that achieve single-molecule and particle optical detection on true portable platforms. Miniature, high-sensitivity imaging devices based on smartphones, single-board computers (i.e., Raspberry Pi systems), lab-on-a-chip systems, and 3D-printed microscopy platforms are discussed.