Malaria continues to pose a global health threat, with an estimated 247 million cases and more than 600,000 deaths annually, mostly in sub‐Saharan Africa. Of particular concern is cerebral malaria, a severe form of the disease with high mortality and morbidity, particularly in children under 5 years of age and pregnant women in areas with high endemicity.
Microfluidic systems have evolved from practical needs to assess a wide range of emerging medical problems. The key advantage of micrototal analysis systems is that they are based on small volume liquid handling technologies and are integrated into compact, automated, handheld measurement instruments, or devices that process the largest number of samples at the lowest cost. Some spectrometric methods currently used for malaria detection have been found to have both advantages and disadvantages. Yesa has its drawbacks and its adaptation into a microprocessor system in a microvolume
Molecular amplification methods are leading candidates for chip‐based systems technology because they offer very high sensitivity, species and strain identification of malaria parasites, and are suitable for use in genomic‐based research to detect new parasite genotypes. Current approaches to developing chip‐based molecular amplification are also considered flow‐through PCR technology. Although there are many challenges to be addressed in the development of molecular amplification systems, tmicrototal analysis system for malaria diagnosis, but recent experimental approaches and implementation have potential advantages and are valuable for use..
Figure 1
Current rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria are typically positive or negative, but often fail to detect asymptomatic infestations and lack the sensitivity needed for early detection of severe cases. Current molecular‐based tests are more sensitive but are expensive, time‐consuming, require highly trained, experienced operators, and require specialized equipment, making them unsuitable for widespread use or routine practice in resource‐ and budget‐limited settings.
Figure 2. Design a DEP‐FFF nested model with flow cytometry and real‐time PCR systems that can diagnose malaria and other infectious diseases in healthcare facilities and the field
quickly and increase diagnostic coverage
In response to these challenges and real‐world needs, researchers have now developed a new test to diagnose malaria that is both fast and accurate. The microfluidic point‐of‐care (mPOC) rapid malaria test offers a significant improvement over traditional tests and will be particularly useful in remote areas with limited access to primary health care.
Rice University researchers (Houston, Texas, Mỹ www.rice.edu) developed the mPOC rapid test for antigen detection and quantification of malaria parasite biomarkers P. falciparum histidine‐rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) in whole blood. A microfluidics system is any device that processes small amounts of fluid. The fluid moves through channels thinner than a strand of hair, and tiny valves can turn the flow on and off. These channels are made of materials such as glass, polymers, paper, or gels.
This device offers dual diagnostic modes for the detection of histidine‐rich protein antigen 2. (PfHRP2)at low and high concentrations, making the device versatile for a variety of diagnostic needs, such as identifying asymptomatic malaria infections and predicting disease progression. The test provides results in just 15 minutes, and the results can be easily accessed via a smartphone app developed by the researchers.
Field trials in Malawi, the mPOC immunoassay, compared with the PfHRP2 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as a standard, showed similar accuracy, but was simpler to use and 12 times faster.
Advances in malaria diagnosis, leading to early detection and prompt treatment, especially for cerebral malaria, have the potential to save more lives. “The mPOC immunoassay is designed to be simple, accurate and field‐deployable, making it suitable for use in rural and remote areas far from health centres in sub‐Saharan Africa,” said the study’s lead author.
Figure 3. The two lead authors of the study are Peter Lillehoj and Jiran Li..Source: Rice University
Unlike traditional tests, this mPOC device does not require plasma separation, instrumentation, complex sample handling or long incubation times, making it easy to use even by minimally trained healthcare personnel.
Figure 4. Demonstration results on malaria diagnosis with high sensitivity and high analysis speed
In areas with limited access to health care (HC) facilities, mPOC testing may be an alternativechange the malaria situation. It can help health care providers quickly identify and treat severe cases, increasing the chances of saving lives. By detecting malaria cases early and managing them appropriately, we can reduce the disease burden and improve patient outcomes. Research Grouppublished their research on February 6, 2024 in the Journal of Biosensors và Bioelectronics.
Source
Jiran Li, Alexuse M Saidi, Karl Seydel, Peter B Lillehoj(2024). Rapid diagnosis and prognosis of malaria infection using a microfluidic point‐of‐care immunoassay. Biosens Bioelectron, 2024 Apr 15:250:116091.doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116091. Epub 2024 Feb 2.
2. Leshan Xiu,Huimin Li,Qinqin Hu, Yuqian Zhang, Shen‐Bo Chen, Chenxi Wang (2023). A versatile microfluidic platform for malaria infection screening and Plasmodium species genotyping. Ebiomedicine, Volume 98
Peter Gascoyne, Jutamaad Satayavivad, Mathuros Ruchirawat (2004). Microfluidic approaches to malaria detection. Acta Trop. 2004 Feb;89(3):357‐369. doi: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2003.11.009
