An Immiscible-Phase Filtration Device for Isolation, Amplification, and Detection of Nucleic Acids for Clinical Diagnostics

Clinical diagnostics of infectious diseases via nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) depend on a separate step of isolation of nucleic acids from cells/viruses embedded in complex biological matrices. The most recent example has been reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for amplification and detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA for COVID-19 diagnostics. Kits for RNA extraction and purification are commercially available; however, their integration with amplification systems is generally lacking, resulting in two separate steps, i.e., sample preparation and amplification. This makes NAATs more time-consuming, requiring skilled personnel, and can increase the likelihood of contamination. Here, we describe a setup and methodology to perform the quick extraction and detection of nucleic acids in an integrated manner. In particular, we focus on the use of an immiscible filtration device for capture, isolation, concentration, amplification, and colorimetric detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA.