E-Book

E-Book 3rd Congress

  • Nanotechnology-Based Point-of-Care Diagnostics for Resource-Limited Settings
  • Hossein Rezvan,1,* Fatemeh Behdarvand,2
    1. Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of veterinary Sceince, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
    2. Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of veterinary Sceince, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran


  • Introduction: Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by creating portable and inexpensive diagnostic tools, particularly in resource-limited settings. These nanotechnology-based point-of-care (POC) diagnostics can provide rapid and accurate results, enabling timely intervention and improving patient outcomes. Traditional diagnostic approaches in these settings face challenges due to a lack of access to sophisticated lab facilities and trained personnel, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Nanoparticles, with their unique properties, offer a versatile platform for developing POC diagnostic tools, allowing efficient delivery of agents to target tissues or cells and selective detection of specific biomarkers associated with various diseases. The integration of nanotechnology and microfluidics has led to the development of a wide range of POC diagnostic tools for various diseases, offering rapid, accurate, and cost-effective diagnostic capabilities. As research in nanotechnology and microfluidics advances, the potential for developing even more sophisticated and versatile POC diagnostic tools for resource-limited settings is immense, improving healthcare access, reducing costs, and enhancing lives in underserved communities worldwide.
  • Methods: This study reviews the advancements in nanotechnology-based point-of-care (POC) diagnostics for resource-limited settings. A literature search was conducted using reputable scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The studies were published in peer-reviewed scientific journals between 2015 and 2023. The analysis aimed to identify emerging trends and patterns in the development and application of nanotechnology-based POC diagnostics for resource-limited settings. The study focused on emerging nanotechnology platforms, advancements in diagnostic methods, enhanced performance characteristics, cost-effectiveness, and key challenges and opportunities associated with the implementation of nanotechnology-based POC diagnostics in resource-limited settings. The review highlights the use of nanotechnology platforms for POC diagnostics in resource-limited settings, such as gold nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and quantum dots. These platforms offer advantages in size, scalability, and integration with microfluidics. Nanotechnology has led to significant advancements in diagnostic methods, particularly in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Nanoparticles have been used to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of biosensors, while nanostructures integrated into microfluidic devices have facilitated miniaturization and improved sample handling. Nanotechnology-based POC diagnostics have demonstrated significant improvements in performance characteristics compared to conventional diagnostic approaches. These include enhanced sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Nanotechnology-based POC diagnostics are also more cost-effective than conventional approaches due to miniaturization, single-use cartridges, and faster turnaround times. However, challenges and opportunities need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of nanotechnology-based POC diagnostics in resource-limited settings. Challenges include regulatory approval, sustainable supply chains, training and user education, and cultural acceptance. Opportunities include public-private partnerships, investment in research and development, and promoting global partnerships. Addressing these challenges and opportunities will help accelerate the development and commercialization of POC diagnostics in resource-limited settings.
  • Results: The overview of point-of-care (POC) diagnostics based on nanotechnology for settings with limited resources shows how nanotechnology has had a major influence on the creation of sophisticated POC testing systems. It has been demonstrated that nanomaterials and nanoparticles, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), quantum dots (QDs), and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), provide unique benefits in terms of mobility, miniaturization, and smooth integration with microfluidic devices. The sensitivity, specificity, and cost-effectiveness of POC diagnostics have significantly improved as a result of these developments, making them extremely promising for efficient disease management in environments with limited resources.
  • Conclusion: The integration of nanomaterials and nanoparticles in point-of-care (POC) diagnostics holds great promise for revolutionizing healthcare delivery in resource-constrained settings. These diagnostics are more sensitive, specific, and economical than traditional methods; however, overcoming obstacles such as regulatory approval, sustainable supply chains, and user education is essential. Opportunities such as public-private partnerships and investment in research and development can accelerate the development and commercialization of POC diagnostics based on nanotechnology, improving patient outcomes and healthcare access in resource-constrained settings. Nanotechnology can be used to create small, lightweight, and reasonably priced diagnostic instruments that medical professionals can easily implement.
  • Keywords: Nanotechnology-diagnostic-healthcare