New-Generation Molecular Techniques in POC Biosensors for Detection of Infectious Diseases

Trends in adapting new-generation biosensors for rapid detection of infectious diseases are gaining interest in the field of clinical diagnostics and point-of-care (POC) industry. Advanced molecular amplification techniques, next-generation affinity probes such as aptamers, and unique optical features of nanoparticles such as quantum dots, graphene, palladium, silver, and gold nanoparticles have significant impact on the development of such biosensors. Among several nucleic acid amplification techniques, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has proven to be a promising technique for rapid online detection because of its unique features that suit ideal for POC applications. Similarly, aptamers have widespread applications in the POC industry as they provide remarkable flexibility and convenience in engineering the desired structures. POC biosensor development primarily relies on precise incorporation, integration, and streamlining of all the necessary steps from sample preparation to detection and analysis. Realizing high accuracy and sensitivity in a time-saving and cost-effective manner has always been the pre-requisite and customer interest. With this perspective, this book chapter details the most important factors that play a role in interfacing new-generation molecular techniques, the state-of-the-art sample preparation, and pathogen concentration strategies with robust sensing platforms for POC diagnostic applications. We will focus mainly on the principal factors governing analytical precision and robustness of new-generation molecular techniques such as direct PCR, solid-phase PCR (SP-PCR), and LAMP in POC biosensors for pathogen detection. The role of aptamers in pathogen concentration and LAMP as an ideal nucleic acid amplification technique for POC biosensor development has been given priority.