Smartphone-Based Optical Detection of Diagnostic Biosensors on Microfluidic Platforms

Abstract

Diagnostic biosensors are on the rise in the global market due to the increasing prevalence of diseases. Specifically, the point-of-care segment has made great strides due to the improvement of biosensors' user-friendliness, simplicity, and clinical capabilities in the comfort of one's home. Although there are conventional diagnostic techniques, they are mutually time-consuming, costly, and labor-intensive. Not to mention, they are primarily dependent on bench-top or large immovable equipment. The widespread availability of smartphones has potentiated optical biosensors towards delivery of rapid and point-of-care diagnostic biosensors. Due to the affordability and user-friendliness of smartphones, smartphone-based biosensors may become ubiquitously available. Additionally, microfluidic platforms possess small footprints and portability towards development of true point-of-care and real-time diagnostic biosensors. In this dissertation, development of multiple diagnostic biosensors on microfluidic platforms is discussed. Diagnostic biosensors equipped with a smartphone-based optical detection show great promise of bringing clinical and bench-top laboratory capabilities for the convenience of the user, with reduced time, costs, and labor requirements. The widespread availability of point-of-care and real-time diagnostic biosensors may show promise in securing global health.