Smartphone-Integrated Point-of-Care Sensor for Rapid and Sensitive Malaria Detection in Resource-Limited Settings

Meredith Stewart ¹, Douglas Donaldson ¹, Avni A. Argun ¹, Muhit Rana ¹*

A low-cost, portable diagnostic device enables sensitive, rapid malaria detection, aiding intervention programs to reduce transmission and improve outcomes globally.

Abstract

Background: Malaria remains a major global health challenge, disproportionately affecting low-income countries and causing 450,000–720,000 deaths annually. Despite declining mortality rates due to containment strategies, the rise of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum threatens these gains. Current diagnostic methods, such as rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and microscopy, lack sensitivity, particularly in detecting asymptomatic infections. These undiagnosed cases contribute to ongoing malaria transmission, underscoring the urgent need for sensitive, cost-effective, and portable diagnostic tools for point-of-care (POC) use. This study aims to develop a low-cost, field-portable diagnostic device for rapid and sensitive detection of Plasmodium species, including P. falciparum, to enhance malaria intervention efforts in resource-limited settings. Methods: We designed an electrochemical sensor integrated with a mobile phone-based diagnostic platform. The device detects pan-Plasmodium and P. falciparum biomarkers in blood using enzyme-free amplification via SPAAC-mediated click chemistry. Four primer sets were optimized to target 18S rRNA sequences, and their sensitivity and specificity were evaluated. Chronoamperometric measurements were performed with a smartphone-linked portable potentiostat, enabling real-time data analysis and result reporting. Results: The 27/31 nucleotide primer set showed superior sensitivity and specificity. The assay achieved a detection limit of 100 pM with minimal off-target reactions. Chronoamperometric results were consistent with optical density measurements, validating the device's accuracy. The smartphone application effectively processed data for parasite quantification, though algorithmic refinement is needed to address minor inconsistencies. Conclusion: This low-cost and field-portable sensor demonstrates potential as a rapid, affordable, and sensitive tool for for point-of-care malaria detection in resource-limited settings. Its ability to identify low parasitemia levels can improve disease surveillance and intervention strategies. Future work will focus on optimizing the mobile application and conducting field validation studies to ensure reliability in diverse settings.

Keywords: Malaria diagnosis, Electrochemical sensing, Plasmodium falciparum detection, Point-of-care technology, Low-resource diagnostics

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