A Hypothetical Approach to Concentrate Microorganisms from Human Urine Samples Using Paper-Based Adsorbents for Point-of-Care Molecular Assays

Abstract

This hypothesis demonstrates that the efficiency of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for nucleic acid detection can be positively influenced by the preconcentration of microbial cells onto hydrophobic paper surfaces. The mechanism of this model is based on the high affinity of microbes towards hydrophobic surfaces. Extensive studies have demonstrated that hydrophobic surfaces exhibit enhanced bacterial and fungal adhesion. By exploiting this inherent affinity of hydrophobic paper substrates, the preconcentration approach enables the adherence of a greater number of target cells, resulting in a higher concentration of target templates for amplification directly from urine samples. In contrast to conventional methods, which often involve complex procedures, this approach offers a simpler, cost-effective, and user-friendly alternative. Moreover, the integration of cell adhesion, LAMP amplification, and signal readout within paper origami-based devices can provide a portable, robust, and highly efficient platform for rapid nucleic acid detection. This innovative hypothesis holds significant potential for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics and field surveillance applications. Further research and development in this field will advance the implementation of this technology, contributing to improved healthcare systems and public health outcomes.

Keywords

• preconcentration
• loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)
• urine
• microbial adhesion
• hydrophobic
• paper-based analytical devices (PADs)