The Feasibility and Specificity of Nano-Point of Care (POC) Diagnosis for Resolving the Incidence of Chronic Diseases

Increasing incidence of Chronic diseases (CD) requires a specific, accurate and time-oriented technology which removes a major bottleneck related to the threat of lengthy and costly diagnosis. Keeping in view the demand for a rapid, reliable, cost effective, and targeted diagnostics, POC (Point of Care) tools/devices are being developed which can efficiently and precisely process small fluid volumes in the medical field globally. Nanoscience and Nanotechnology thus, provides solution to the on -going debate in medical world through Nano/microfluidic technologies. Miniaturization of nanotechnology in the form of nano/microfluidic platforms/nano fluidic channels/chambers have potentially marked the areas in the field of global health applications due to their inexpensive, portable nature and specificity in terms of targeted diseases and treatment. The lab-on Chip (LoC) technology has enabled improved and enhanced biomedical applications in relation to low cost, ease of operation and detection procedures. The technology is progressing towards the analysis of various viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria and CRD (Chronic Respiratory Disease) with broader and standardized POC prototypes that can reach the resource limited areas respectively. The present chapter deals with the need for miniaturization of technology for development of POC and LoC tools and evaluating their advantages, drawbacks and finally the challenges that needs to be addressed for their wider application and diagnosis strategy.