Um sistema inteligente de baixo custo para detecção de ácidos nucleicos baseados em eletroforese no espectro visível

Abstract

With the growing expansion of the Internet of Things, the development of products and services has become more and more automated, a wide range of development opportunities has opened up in several areas. The laboratory environment features various equipment and services that still require computerization and development especially focused on low cost, miniaturization and connectivity. Aiming to expand the analysis and diagnostics to places with low resources. The detection of nucleic acids by electrophoresis is a fast and accessible technique for many diagnostic methods, mainly in research laboratories or in basic health units. Standard protocols detect nucleic acid molecules through specific chemical dyes using a UV transilluminator or ultraviolet photodocumentation system. However, the acquisition costs and availability of these devices, especially those with the ability to photograph and connect to the Internet, are prohibitive, especially in developing countries. Most nucleic acid detection systems by means of electrophoresis expose professionals to various risk factors as they use ultraviolet radiation for detection and also the risk of contact with samples and equipment contaminated by dyes, which mostly contain mutagenic substances. This work describes the development of a low cost nucleic acid detection hardware and software system, capable of obtaining qualitative and semi-quantitative data from gel analysis. The proposed device explores the visible light absorption range of the commonly used nucleic acid dyes, using easily accessible electronic devices and fast and simple manufacturing processes. Using spectral tracking techniques the system covers a wide range of color spectra to detect bands of various dyes used commercially. The obtaining of the optimum excitation point within the visible region is possible by detailed analysis of the entire excitation spectrum of the dye and sensitivity in obtaining the wavelengths through the emitting diodes and light. Using the Internet of things connectivity concepts, we use wireless communication, via Bluetooth, to develop a human-machine interface on the smartphone to control the proposed device, capture and share images. The development of the project was designed to allow for scalability of the process, low manufacturing and maintenance costs. The use of LEDs in the visible spectrum can obtain very reproducible images, providing a high potential for rapid diagnostics and at the service location, in addition to applications in various fields, such as health, agriculture and aquaculture.