A portable and low-cost fluorescence reader for near-patient nucleic acid amplification assays

Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) play a critical role in disease diagnostics by enabling rapid and highly sensitive detection of genomic sequences associated with specific pathogens. This paper presents a portable NAAT assay reader combining precise thermal control and spatially-multiplexed fluorescence detection that is designed to extend the applicability of nucleic acid testing across diverse environments. The compact and low cost Multiplexed Array Gene Imager (MAGI) system operates wirelessly, with assay control and readout enabled through a Web-based interface, and can be adapted to a broad range of NAAT formats and assay substrates. Thermal actuation is performed using a printed circuit board heater that provides stable closed-loop temperature control at low manufacturing cost. Performance of the MAGI system is evaluated using a spatially-multiplexed loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay implemented in a custom microfluidic 12-well plate. Overall, the presented system offers a manufacturable, adaptable, and functional platform for use in diverse environments where NAAT cost, portability, and assay flexibility are important considerations.