abstract: Measles is a contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that continues to be the leading cause of death in children younger than the age of 5 years. While the introduction of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine (MMR) has significantly decreased morbidity and mortality rates worldwide, vaccine coverage is highly variable across global regions. Current diagnostic methods rely on enzyme immunoassays (EIA) to detect IgM or IgG Abs in serum. Commercially available Diamedix Immunosimplicity® Measles IgG test kit has been shown to have 91.1% sensitivity and 93.8% specificity, with a positive predictive value of 88.7% and a negative predictive value of 90.9% on the basis of a PRN titer of 120. There is an increasing need for rapid screening for measles specific immunity in outbreak settings. This study aims to develop a rapid molecular diagnostic assay to detect IgG reactive to three individual measles virus (MeV) proteins. Measles virus (MeV) genes were subcloned into the pJFT7_nGST vector to generate N- terminal GST fusion proteins. Single MeV cistrons were expressed using in vitro transcription/translation (IVTT) with human cell lysate. Expression of GST-tagged proteins was measured with mouse anti-GST mAb and sheep anti-mouse IgG. Relative light units (RLUs) as luminescence was measured. Antibodies to MeV antigens were measured in 40 serum samples from healthy subjects. Protein expression of three MeV genes of interest was measured in comparison with vector control and statistical significance was determined using the Student’s t-test (p<0.05). N expressed at the highest level with an average RLU value of 3.01 x 109 (p<0.001) and all proteins were expressed at least 50% greater than vector control (4.56 x 106 RLU). 36/40 serum samples had IgG to N (Ag:GST ratio>1.21), F (Ag:GST ratio>1.92), or H (Ag:GST ratio> 1.23). These data indicate that the in vitro expression of MeV antigens, N, F, and H, were markedly improved by subcloning into pJFT7_nGST vector to generate N-terminal GST fusion proteins. The expression of single MeV genes N, F and H, are suitable antigens for serologic capture analysis of measles-specific antibodies. These preliminary data can be used to design a more intensive study to explore the possibilities of using these MeV antigens as a diagnostic marker. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Biology 2016

Orientador: Lauro Tatsuo Kubota / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Química / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-23T23:55:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Miranda_BarbaraSantosde_D.pdf: 3761472 bytes, checksum: d04db9862f7022a5bea49d756efbfdbc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Resumo: Este trabalho apresenta o desenvolvimento de dois sensores distintos que através da aplicação de nanomateriais em seus sistemas apresentam uma melhora no desempenho. Com o objetivo de estabilizar a fase alfa do hidróxido de níquel, foi proposta uma nova síntese que resultou em um novo material de hidróxido de níquel e nanopartículas de ouro. O do hidróxido de níquel se apresentou com a estrutura alfa desejada, a estrutura e morfologia das nanopartículas de ouro foram preservadas. O material híbrido se apresenta nanoestruturado e sem separação de fases. Sugere-se que este novo material seja formado como um nanocompósito onde as nanopartículas de ouro formam a matriz e o hidróxido de níquel recobre a superfície. A estabilidade do novo material é bem superior que a do hidróxido de níquel puro, quedas de corrente após 50 ciclos consecutivos de 6% contra 50% respectivamente. A atividade eletrocatalítica deste novo nanomaterial foi investigada frente à glicose e a constante eletrocatalítica obtida para o nanocompósito foi cerca de 7 vezes maior que para o hidróxido de níquel puro. A sensibilidade do eletrodo modificado com a-Ni(OH)2/AuNP se manteve similar aos da literatura. O segundo sensor estudado foi a aplicação de nanopartículas fluorescentes como marcadores do imunosensor para a detecção precoce do esporo do fungo da ferrugem asiática da soja. As nanopartículas fluorescentes permitiram alcancar um baixo limite de detecção, 2.2 ng/mL, o menor encontrado na literatura. Além disso, foi investigado outros parâmetros para o desenvolvimento de um dispositivo point-of-care, como o melhor substrato para reter o analito, a membrana de nitrocelulose, se apresentou com as melhores propriedades frente as alternativas. Ainda mais, o dispositivo foi construido para que possa ser utilizado por pessoas não treinadas no campo, em um tempo de análise menor que ELISA e PCR, sem o uso de equipamento caros e complicados, usando somente uma lâmpada de UV simples como fonte de excitação e a visualização do sinal a olho nu com um limite de detecção de apenas 300 esporos, o que e ainda dez vezes mais baixo que o atual teste comercial. / Abstract: This work presents the development of two distinct sensors that have shown great improvements in their performance trough nanoparticle application in their systems. The first study aims to stabilize the nickel hydroxide alpha structure for future carbohydrate detection. We proposed a new synthesis, which resulted in a nickel hydroxide and gold nanoparticle hybrid material. The new material has the expected nickel hydroxide alpha structure, maintains gold nanoparticle¿s structure and morphology and allows a simple electrode modification. We suggest that the new material is a nanocomposite where gold nanoparticles are the matrix while the nickel hydroxide cover the surface. The new material has higher stability properties than the pure nickel hydroxide, after 50 cycles the current decreased 6 and 50% respectively. In addition, an improvement was observed in the catalytic constant, approximately 7 times bigger than plain nickel hydroxide. Although the new material showed these good improvements, the electrode sensitivity did not differ from other studies in the literature. The second study presented comprehends the application of fluorescent nanoparticles as markers of an immunosensor for early diagnosis of Asian soybean rust spore. The use of these nanoparticles resulted in a very low limit detection sensor, 2.2 ng/mL, the lowest ever found in the literature. Moreover, others parameters were investigated in order to develop a point-of-care device, as the substrate to retain the analyte for the assay. Furthermore, the device was built in order to be used by the farmer himself, in loco, fast, without expensive equipment, a UV lamp as an excitation source and the signal is visible to naked eye. The visual detection limit is around 300 spores, which is tenfold lower than the available commercial kit. / Doutorado / Físico-Química / Doutora em Ciências

No description available.

Reliable access to the circulation is paramount in most medical and surgical emergencies. When venous access cannot be expediently established, intraosseous (IO) access is indicated. This method has a high success rate even in relatively inexperienced hands and there is considerable clinical experience of IO administration of drugs and fluids. There is however limited evidence on the use of IO samples for laboratory analysis. Also, uptake of drugs during shock has not been extensively studied. Further, there have been concerns that analysis of IO samples may damage laboratory equipment. We have studied, in a porcine model, the use of IO samples for point of care analysis of blood gases, acid base parameters and blood chemistries in stable circulation, in experimental septic shock, and in hypovolemia after major hemorrhage, comparing IO samples with arterial and venous samples, and comparing IO samples from different sites. We have also studied coagulation assays on IO samples in stable circulation and after major hemorrhage. Furthermore, we have compared IO and intravenous administration of antibiotics in experimental sepsis. Average differences between IO and arterial/venous samples varied between the studied analytes. During stable circulation, average IO levels of blood gases, acid-base parameters, hemoglobin/hematocrit and several blood chemistries approximated venous levels relatively well. Differences in acid-base and blood gas parameters, and lactate, were more pronounced in hypovolemia, as well as in sepsis. The dispersion of the differences was often relatively large, indicating limited precision. Average differences between two intraosseous sites were small. Intraosseous samples were clinically hypercoagulable with a strong tendency to clot in vitro, and thromboelastography demonstrated shortened reaction times compared with venous samples. Major bleeding and hemodilution moderately affected the studied coagulation parameters. In endotoxemic animals with circulatory instability, concentrations of cefotaxime and gentamicin in samples from the pulmonary artery were comparable at 5 minutes after intraosseous and intravenous administration, and during a 3 hour observation period. In summary, agreement between analytes in intraosseous and conventional blood samples was variable and often unpredictable, especially during circulatory compromise. Intraosseous samples clinically appeared hypercoagulable, and thromboelastography confirmed this. High and comparable concentrations of cefotaxime and gentamicin were found after intraosseous and intravenous administration of equivalent doses, suggesting that uptake is acceptable during septic instability.

Magister Public Health - MPH / Background: Point of Care Testing (POCT) refers to qualitative or quantitative tests done in health facilities where the patient is being attended to (on-site), and not in the conventional hospital laboratory setting. As a consequence of many developing countries not having access to conventional laboratory services (with trained laboratory personnel), diagnostic testing often relies on the availability of valid POC tests. All pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics in the Sedibeng District Primary Health Care (PHC) centres should be screened for syphilis, anaemia and HIV. This can be done by means of POC testing, which is easy to perform. These POC tests provide results promptly allowing treatment to be commenced immediately, if required. Despite this highly desirable benefit of POCT, there is circumstantial evidence which suggests that staff is choosing to send specimens to the laboratory for testing, instead of doing POCT themselves. The extent to which this happens and the factors contributing to this practice are not clear. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of screening for syphilis, anaemia, and HIV amongst pregnant women during their first antenatal care visit to PHC facilities in the Sedibeng District, and to establish the factors affecting the prevalence of appropriately using POCT for screening tests. Methodology: Study design: A quantitative, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted. Study Population and Sample: Patient registers, staff expected to perform POCT and facility managers. 33 District’s health care workers expected to perform POCT on pregnant women during the first ANC visit and 30 facility managers from these facilities; 360 patient records (these were collected from a total of 7 200 patients’ records). The data was collected over a six month period (from 1st July 2012 to 31st December 2012). Data collection: Data was collected from 360 patient records to determine the rate, appropriateness and mechanism of screening for syphilis, anaemia and, HIV in pregnant women on their first antenatal visit. Interviewer-administered closed-ended questions was asked from 30 antenatal care clinic staff tasked with performing POC tests and from 30 PHC facility managers to determine the factors affecting the rate of conducting POCT. Data analysis: Data was analysed using univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses. Ethical considerations: No harm was anticipated to anyone participating in the study or from the findings of the study. A major benefit of the study was that clarity on the factors affecting the rate of screening and the use of POCT was gained. This will hopefully facilitate the implementation of evidence–based interventions to improve POCT uptake if required.

Mobile computing devices are capable of changing how healthcare is delivered in the future, since they aim to merge and integrate all services into one device that is versatile, customisable, and portable. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses with regard to accessing information at the point-of-care of the patient, in order to develop guidelines that could assist other professional nurses with implementing the mobile computing device for accessing information at the point-of-care of patients. To achieve the purpose of the study, a qualitative, explorative, descriptive, and contextual design was used to conduct this research – to gain an understanding of how the professional nurses experienced accessing information at the point-of-care via mobile computing devices. The study was conducted among the professional nurses employed at the public hospital, who were trained and provided with the mobile computing device for accessing information at the point-of-care for more than two years. In-depth interviewing was conducted to obtain the data. Data analysis was done using Tesch‘s method to make sense out of text and data. Four themes were identified, namely, the professional nurses‘ expression of various experiences regarding the training received; the need for support in implementing the mobile computing device; the accessing of information at the point-of-care as beneficial for educational purposes; and the accessing of information at the point-of-care as beneficial to patient care. Two main guidelines were developed. The study concludes with recommendations made with regard to the areas of nursing practice, education and research. Throughout the study, the researcher abided by the ethical considerations. The aspects of trustworthiness implemented in this study, included dependability, credibility, transferability and confirmability (Holloway & Wheeler, 2010:298).

Developing non-invasive and accurate diagnostics that are easily manufactured, robust and reusable will provide monitoring of high-risk individuals in any clinical or point-of-care environment, particularly in the developing world. There is currently no rapid, low-cost and generic sensor fabrication technique capable of producing narrow-band, uniform, reversible colorimetric readouts with a high-tuneability range. This thesis aims to present a theoretical and experimental basis for the rapid fabrication, optimisation and testing of holographic sensors for the quantification of pH, organic solvents, metal cations, and glucose in solutions. The sensing mechanism was computationally modelled to optimise its optical characteristics and predict the readouts. A single pulse of a laser (6 ns, 532 nm, 350 mJ) in holographic “Denisyuk” reflection mode allowed rapid production of sensors through silver-halide chemistry, in situ particle size reduction and photopolymerisation. The fabricated sensors consisted of off-axis Bragg diffraction gratings of ordered silver nanoparticles and localised refractive index changes in poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and polyacrylamide films. The sensors exhibited reversible Bragg peak shifts, and diffracted the spectrum of narrow-band light over the wavelength range λpeak ≈ 500-1100 nm. The application of the holographic sensors was demonstrated by sensing pH in artificial urine over the physiological range (4.5-9.0), with a sensitivity of 48 nm/pH unit between pH 5.0 and 6.0. For sensing metal cations, a porphyrin derivative was synthesised to act as the crosslinker, the light absorbing material, the component of a diffraction grating, as well as the cation chelating agent. The sensor allowed reversible quantification of Cu2+ and Fe2+ ions (50 mM - 1 M) with a response time within 50 s. Clinical trials of a glucose sensor in the urine samples of diabetic patients demonstrated that the glucose sensor has an improved performance compared to a commercial high-throughput urinalysis device. The experimental sensitivity of the glucose sensor exhibited a limit of detection of 90 µM, and permitted diagnosis of glucosuria up to 350 mM. The sensor response was achieved within 5 min and the sensor could be reused about 400 times without compromising its accuracy. Holographic sensors were also tested in flake form, and integrated with paper-iron oxide composites, dyed filter and chromatography papers, and nitrocellulose-based test strips. Finally, a generic smartphone application was developed and tested to quantify colorimetric tests for both Android and iOS operating systems. The developed sensing platform and the smartphone application have implications for the development of low-cost, reusable and equipment-free point-of-care diagnostic devices.

abstract: Cytometry is a method used to measure and collect the physical and chemical characteristics of a population of cells. In modern medical settings, the trend of precision and personalized medicines has imposed a need for rapid point-of-care diagnostic technologies. A rapid cytometric method, which aims at detecting and analyzing cells in direct patient samples, is therefore desirable. This dissertation presents the development of light-scattering-based imaging methods for detecting and analyzing cells and applies the technology in four applications. The first application is tracking phenotypic features of single particles, thereby differentiating bacterial cells from non-living particles in a label-free manner. The second application is a culture-free antimicrobial susceptibility test that rapidly tracks multiple, antimicrobial-induced phenotypic changes of bacterial cells with results obtained within 30 – 90 minutes. The third application is rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of bacterial cell growth directly in-patient urine samples, without a pre-culture step, within 90 min. This technology demonstrated rapid (90 min) detection of Escherichia coli in 24 clinical urine samples with 100% sensitivity and 83% specificity and rapid (90 min) AST in 12 urine samples with 87.5% categorical agreement with two antibiotics, ampicillin and ciprofloxacin. The fourth application is a multi-dimensional imaging cytometry system that integrates multiple light sources from different angles to simultaneously capture time-lapse, forward scattering and side scattering images of blood cells. The system has demonstrated capacity to detect red blood cell agglutination, assess red blood cell lysis, and differentiate red and white blood cells for potential implementation in clinical hematology analyses. These large-volume, light-scattering cytometric technologies can be used and applied in clinical and research settings to study, detect, and analyze cells. These studies developed rapid point-of-care diagnostic and imaging technologies for collectively advancing modern medicine and global health. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Chemistry 2020

This thesis explores new analytical advances using compact disk biosensing technologies, and comprises six scientific publications distributed along four chapters. Special attention is herein payed to Thermochromic Etching Disks (TED) technology (Chapter 1), rational design of disk-based biorecognition assays (Chapter 2), and label-free detection systems for point-of-need analysis (Chapters 3 and 4). First, insights into a novel light-mediated signal developing system for biorecognition assays (based on TED disks and drives) are provided together with an overview of the state-of-the art and future trends in photo- and thermochromic biosensing. This signal developing approach exploits photo- and thermochromism for biosensing in an original manner and represents a potential strategy to simplify signaling processes in bioanalytical systems. Then, how to transform TED technology into lab-on-a-disk systems is addressed. TED has proven to be a very versatile tool to perform sensitive analysis of biorecognition assays, using platforms and scanners easily obtained from regular disks and drives, respectively. Biologically relevant assays of different nature (microarray, cell culture, immunofiltration, turbidimetry, etc.) have been arrayed in a single disk and sensitively analyzed by imaging. Regarding rational design, a theoretical-experimental method (INSEL) based on kinetics and mass-transport modelling for optimizing biorecognition assays and exploring their behavior is presented. INSEL has been implemented as an in silico tool that enables to characterize biointeractions with minimal experimentation, to perform optimizations directed towards custom objectives defined by the user, and to easily compute the effect of critical variables without further experiments. In another study included in this thesis, polycarbonate grooved structures obtained from standard recordable disks (CD-R and DVD-R) were coated with silver and tailored to become SERS-active. This strategy represents a cost-effective and industrially scalable alternative to the SERS substrates typically used for bioanalysis. These disk-based materials have presented tunable plasmonic responses, significant Raman enhancement, and have allowed complex biological targets (such as proteins and exosomes) to be analyzed by SERS without using labeled reagents as tracers. In addition to introduce inexpensive and large-scale SERS substrates for biosensing, this study also suggests the development of prospective Raman scanners based on disk drives. Another approach herein presented addresses the implementation of diffraction-based sensing (DBS) in TED technology in order to conceive disk-based label-free biosensors based on standard disks and drives. At first, a comprehensive experimental assessment of the analytical possibilities offered by DBS is presented. Then, the fabrication of arrays of diffractive protein networks on TED disks is investigated, with which sensitive analysis of antibodies in label-free conditions has been demonstrated, using adapted drives as scanners. This investigation provides important insights into cost-effective and industrially scalable functional materials and detection setups that exploit consumer electronics for label-free biosensing. / Esta tesis explora nuevos avances en química analítica usando tecnologías de biosensado basadas en sistemas de disco compacto y comprende seis publicaciones científicas distribuidas a lo largo de cuatro capítulos. Los estudios se han centrado en la tecnología Thermochromic Etching Disks (TED) (Capítulo 1), el diseño racional de ensayos de bioreconocimiento en discos compactos (Capítulo 2), y la detección sin marcaje para realizar análisis in situ (Capítulos 3 y 4). Primero, enmarcado en una discusión del estado del arte y futuras tendencias en biosensado foto y termocrómico, se presenta un nuevo sistema (basado en discos y lectores TED) mediado por luz para el desarrollo de señales en ensayos de bioreconocimiento. Ésta constituye una estrategia novedosa para aprovechar el foto y termocromismo en biosensado, y presenta un gran potencial para simplificar los procesos de desarrollo de señal en sistemas bioanalíticos. A continuación, se aborda cómo transformar la tecnología TED en sistemas analíticos integrados basados en discos compactos. TED ha demostrado ser una herramienta muy versátil para analizar, de forma sensible, ensayos de bioreconocimiento usando plataformas y escáneres fácilmente obtenidos a partir de discos y lectores convencionales, respectivamente. Un único disco ha mostrado poder albergar varios ensayos biológicos importantes y de distinta naturaleza (micromatriz, cultivos celulares, inmunofiltración, turbidimetría, etc.), para ser analizados de forma sensible a través de imágenes En cuanto al diseño racional, se presenta un método teórico-experimental (INSEL), basado en modelos cinéticos y de transporte de masa, para optimizar ensayos de bioreconocimiento y explorar su comportamiento. INSEL se ha implementado como una herramienta in silico que permite caracterizar biointeracciones mediante mínima experimentación, realizar optimizaciones dirigidas a objetivos particulares definidos por el usuario, y computar el efecto de variables críticas de forma sencilla y sin experimentos adicionales. En otro estudio incluido en esta tesis, nanoestructuras en forma de surco obtenidas a partir de discos regrabables convencionales (CD-R y DVD-R) fueron recubiertas con plata y adaptadas para ser activas en SERS. Esta estrategia supone una alternativa, económicamente efectiva e industrialmente escalable, a los sustratos SERS típicamente usados en bioanálisis. Estos materiales han mostrado respuestas plasmónicas sintonizables, una amplificación Raman significativa, y han permitido analizar muestras biológicas complejas (como proteínas y exosomas) mediante SERS sin usar marcadores. Además de introducir sustratos SERS grandes y baratos, este trabajo también sugiere el desarrollo de escáneres Raman basados en lectores de disco. Otra aproximación presentada en esta tesis aborda la implementación de DBS (diffraction-based sensing) en tecnologías TED, con el fin de desarrollar biosensores para detección sin marcaje basados en discos y lectores convencionales. Primero, se presenta una amplia evaluación experimental de las posibilidades analíticas ofrecidas por DBS. A continuación, se investiga la fabricación de multitud de redes difractivas de proteínas sobre discos TED, con las que se ha demostrado la determinación sensible y sin marcaje de anticuerpos, usando lectores adaptados como escáneres analíticos. Esta investigación introduce avances importantes que apuntan al desarrollo de materiales funcionales y sistemas de detección, baratos e industrialmente escalables, que aprovechen las tecnologías de consumo para realizar biosensado sin marcaje. / Aquesta tesi explora nous avanços en la química analítica usant tecnologies de biosensat basades en sistemes de disc compacte, i comprèn sis publicacions científiques distribuïdes en quatre capítols. Els estudis s'han centrat en la tecnologia Thermochromic Etching Disks (TED) (Capítol 1), el disseny racional d'assajos de bioreconeixement en discos compactes (Capítol 2), i la detecció sense marcatge per realitzar anàlisi in situ (Capítols 3 i 4). Primer, dins del marc d'una discussió de l'estat de l'art i tendències futures en biosensat foto i termocròmic, es presenta un nou sistema (basat en discos i lectors TED) per al desenvolupament de senyals mitjançant llum, en assajos de bioreconeixement. Aquesta constitueix una nova estratègia per aprofitar el foto i termocromisme en biosensat, mentre que també presenta una gran potencial per simplificar els processos de desenvolupament de senyal en sistemes bioanalítics. Tot seguit, s'aborda com transformar la tecnologia TED en sistemes analítics integrats basats en discos compactes. TED ha demostrat ser una eina molt versàtil per analitzar, de forma sensible, assajos de bioreconeixement usant plataformes i escàners fàcilment obtinguts a partir de discos i lectors convencionals, respectivament. Un únic disc ha mostrat poder albergar diversos assajos biològicament importants i de distinta naturalesa (micromatrius, cultius cel·lulars, immunofiltració, turbidimetria, etc.), per a ser analitzats de forma sensible a través d'imatges. Pel que fa al disseny racional, es presenta un mètode teòric-experimental (INSEL), basat en models cinètics i de transport de massa, per optimitzar assajos de bioreconeixement i explorar el seu comportament. INSEL s'ha implementat com a una eina in silico que permet caracteritzar biointeraccions amb mínima experimentació, realitzar optimitzacions dirigides cap a objectius particulars definits per l'usuari, i computar l'efecte de variables crítiques de forma senzilla i sense experiments addicionals. En un altre estudi inclòs en aquesta tesi, nanoestructures en forma de solc obtingudes a partir de discos compactes regravables convencionals (CD-R i DVD-R) van ser recobertes amb plata i adaptades per a ser actives en SERS. Aquesta estratègia suposa una alternativa, econòmicament efectiva i industrialment escalable, als substrats SERS típicament usats en bioanàlisi. Aquests materials han mostrat respostes plasmòniques sintonitzables, una amplificació Raman significativa, i han permès analitzar mostres biològiques complexes (com proteïnes i exosomes) mitjançant SERS sense usar marcadors. A més d'introduir substrats SERS grans i barats, aquest treball també suggereix el desenvolupament d'escàners Raman basats en lectors de disc. Una altra aproximació presentada en aquesta tesi aborda la implementació de DBS (diffraction-based sensing) en tecnologies TED, per tal de desenvolupar biosensors basats en discos i lectors convencionals que permeten detecció sense marcatge. Primer, es presenta una amplia avaluació experimental de les possibilitats analítiques que ofereix aquesta tècnica. A continuació, s'investiga la fabricació de multitud de xarxes difractives de proteïnes sobre discos TED, amb les quals s'ha demostrat la determinació sensible i sense marcatge d'anticossos, usant lectors adaptats com a escàners analítics. Aquesta investigació introdueix avanços importants que apunten cap al desenvolupament de materials funcionals i sistemes de detecció, barats i industrialment escalables, que aprofiten les tecnologies de consum per dur a terme bioanàlisi sense marcatge. / Avellà Oliver, JM. (2017). Towards label-free biosensing in compact disk technologies f or point-of-need analysis [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/86128 / TESIS

The majority of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) prevalence is found in Sub-Saharan Africa, where 80% of the world’s population who suffer from this disease are born. Due to a lack of diagnosis and early treatments, 50-90% of these children will die before they reach the age of five. Current methods used for diagnosing SCD are based on hemoglobin analysis such as capillary electrophoresis, ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography, and isoelectric focusing. They require expensive laboratory equipment and are not feasible in these low-resource countries. It is, therefore, imperative to develop an alternative and cost-effective method for diagnosing and monitoring of SCD. This thesis aims to address the development and evaluation of a smartphone-based optical setup for the detection of SCD. This innovative technique can potentially be applied for low cost and accurate diagnosis of SCD and improve disease management in resource-limited settings where the disease exhibits a high prevalence. This Point-of-Care (POC) based device offers the potential to improve SCD diagnosis and patient care by providing a portable and cost effective device that requires minimal training to operate and analyze. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2020. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection