Rapid screening of Hepatitis A virus in fresh produce processing facilities using a hybrid paper/polymer-based microfluidic device based on recombinase polymerase amplification and lateral flow assay

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is responsible for most diagnosed human hepatitis infections. HAV spreads via the fecaloral route, either through person-to-person contact or via contaminated water and foods. PCR serves as the
gold standard for detecting enteric viruses, but has limitations that have hindered the application in resourcelimited environments. A novel molecular detection assay based on isothermal nucleic acid amplification is
proposed for the current project to detect HAV. To further simplify the analysis, a novel device incorporating nucleic acid extraction, nucleic acid amplification and result visualization will be developed using paper-based
microfluidic “lab-on-a-chip” device. The overall detection of HAV can be achieved within 1 hour with reduced cost and suitable for in-field detection of HAV in food products.

Faculty Supervisor:

Qian Liu;Xiaonan Lu

Student:

Partner:

Canadian Produce Marketing Association

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Other services (except public administration)

University:

McGill University

Program: