Self-amplifying DNA Polymers for Point-of-Care Diagnosis Through a Portable CMOS Sensor

Dan Luo of Cornell University in the U.S. proposes a "self-amplifying-DNA-polymer" system in which monomers bind to specific pathogen biomarkers and then create polymer aggregates when exposed to light. This amplification step, to be used as a component for future diagnostic devices, is totally enzyme-free and only occurs in the presence of specific pathogens.