Point-of-care diagnostic devices: current trends in pathogen detection

What is it about?

Pathogens are a huge problem in fields like medicine, food safety, and drug discovery. To detect pathogens quickly and accurately, point-of-care (POC) devices can be used. These devices are cheap and do not require skilled professionals to operate. This makes them useful in remote areas where laboratory testing is not possible. The working of POC devices has evolved notably over the years. Today, scientists use biosensors in these devices to reliably detect pathogens. Bio-sensors can work with small sample amounts and provide accurate results quickly. The use of nanotechnology in biosensors is the next step in the evolution of POC devices. However, few devices that use biosensors are available in the market and ready to use. In this study, the authors explore the latest developments in the world of POC devices. The authors discuss: a) different methods of pathogen detection, b) materials used in devices made of biosensors, c) portable POC devices, d) and problems faced when developing reliable POC devices. The authors also provide suggestions for improving the precision of POC devices.

Featured Image

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Why is it important?

POC devices detect pathogens without any complicated and expensive equipment. These devices play a crucial role in disease control and food safety. Despite their advantages, POC devices have to overcome many challenges to become more accessible to the public. The authors provide suggestions for how this can be achieved. KEY TAKEAWAY: POC devices need to be faster, cheaper, and simpler for the benefit of the people. This can be made possible with market investment in their research and development.