Milenia GenLine HybriDetect : Universal Lateral Flow Assay Kits
Milenia GenLine HybriDetect : Universal Lateral Flow Assay Kits

Milenia®HybriDetect – Types of Use & Fields of Application

03/10/2022

Milenia®HybriDetect – Types of Use & Fields of Application

The third and last part of the blog article series „Milenia® HybriDetect Basics“ tries to highlight two main aspects. The first is to show how versatile the universal lateral flow test strips can be used – from dipstick to rotating disc. The second part of the article is about the multiple fields of application. What can the Milenia® HybriDetect be used for and what has already been demonstrated? These questions will be answered here …


„Milenia® HybriDetect connects sensitive and specific, molecular applications with the lateral flow technology. The combination makes it possible to discover an entirely new generation of point-of-care diagnostics.“


Milenia® HybriDetect – Types of Use

The universal test strips can be combined with multiple methods. Up to now, one interesting detail has always been left out of this consideration. The lateral flow devices can be used in a variety of creative ways. As dipsticks, the strips can simply be placed directly into reaction vessels. in cassette format, the LFDs can be attractive for commercial applications. But it is possible to be much more creative – the HybriDetect test strips have already been used in wearable diagnostics or implemented in more complex devices such as a rotating disc…


Dipsticks

The Milenia® HybriDetect products are intended as tools for simple development of innovative rapid test concepts. The use of molecular biological methods (e.g. DNA amplification) is undoubtedly at the center of attention. Therefore, standardized consumables such as 200 µL PCR tubes are generally used. These are easy to handle, always available and can be combined with many instruments. The dimensions of the Milenia® HybriDetect dipsticks allow simple dipping of the strips in such reaction tubes. The following picture shows several dipsticks placed in PCR strips including a sample volume of 50 µL. Clear signals are detectable within 2 – 5 minutes. In addition to PCR tubes, 96-well plates, 1.5 mL tubes or other reaction vessels can also be used. The dipsticks are extremely versatile. In addition, this lateral flow format provides further important advantages which will be discussed in more detail elsewhere. From our point of view the dipsticks are the perfect format for easy and fast development of innovative rapid tests.

Milenia HybriDetect as Dipstick


Milenia® HybriDetect as Dipstick in 200 µL reaction tube strip (PCR-strip)

Lateral Flow Cassettes

The most common way to use the lateral flow technology is the usage of plastic cassettes. This has some advantages for the usability. It simplifies sample application, protects the sensitive parts of the device and thus helps to find test– and control lines. However, the use of this plastic housing requires more material, space and production effort. Currently, we do not offer such a version of the Milenia® HybriDetect. Nevertheless, we do not categorically exclude this. For individual requests, it is certainly possible to obtain the Milenia® HybriDetect lateral flow devices in cassette format. We would be happy to discuss this on an individual level and can address the advantages and disadvantages with all our experience.


 


Implementation into other Devices 

The dipsticks can also be the basis for further development of alternative, innovative and more complex devices for „sample in – result out“ analytics. A good example is the paper-based, foldable detection system that includes the Milenia® HybriDetect. Cordray and Richards-Cortum published in 2015 a simple, innovative and field-applicable system that allows the sensitive detection of Plasmodium DNA (10, malaria diagnostics).



Milenia HybriDetect in a Paper based Sample in — Result out — Device (source of this image: Cordray & Richards-Cortum, 2015; Reference 10)

In 2014, Kim et al. presented an entire analysis platform for the nucleic acid-based analysis of food-borne pathogens (54). Here, 6 Milenia® HybriDetect test strips were implemented in a rotating disc system. In a combination of RPA and lateral flow, multiplexing is achieved by using this system, which outputs multiple information per analysis. If you want to learn more about Multiplexing and Lateral Flow, see one of our previous articles: Milenia® HybriDetect – Lateral Flow and Multiplexing



Milenia HybriDetect in a Rotating Disc System (Source of this Image: Review by MacDonald & VanStetten, 2018 ; Reference 55)

Implementation into Face Mask

One of the most creative ways to use our lateral flow dipsticks was presented by authors of the Broad Institute in Boston around Peter Nguyen. They have converted a face mask into a valuable diagnostic tool to detect SARS-CoV-2 as sensitive as a lab-based technique. Aerosols are collected in a sample collection zone. Detection reagents come into contact with the sample matrix via a sensor activation button. Reverse transcription, isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification, Cas12a-dependent amplicon recognition and degradation of a dual-labeled reporter molecule are combined in on device. Finally, the sample is transferred to the dipstick and the result can be interpreted within minutes. That is impressive!


Link to the original publication


Link to an associated article in „the scientist“



Milenia HybriDetect implemented into Face Mask (Source of this Image: Nguyen et al., 2021, Reference 56)

Fields of Application

The Milenia HybriDetect is used wherever rapid tests make sense. Because of this, the Milenia HybriDetect is used in a wide variety of relevant areas. In addition to medical and veterinary applications, this includes sectors such as agriculture, food safety, quality control and many more. The following list includes the most important sectors in which the Milenia HybriDetect is used.


Medical Applications

Rapid testing has always been an important facette of medical diagnostics, because time matters. The Milenia® HybriDetect connects sensitive and specific, molecular applications with the lateral flow technology. The combination makes it possible to discover an entirely new generation of point-of-care diagnostics. Intra-operative analyses that produce relevant results within minutes and influence the progress of the operation. Molecular bediside diagnostics quickly deliver results that previously required a specialized laboratory, trained personnel and, most importantly, a lot of time. Individualized diagnostics are also within reach, thanks to the modular, universal nature of the Milenia® HybriDetect platform. The following point underscrore the value and potential of such medical applications …


post transplant infections (19)

periprosthetic joint infections (17)

detection of viral pathogens: SARS-CoV (9, 18, 35), Zika Virus (28), Dengue Virus (28), Human Papilloma Viruses (43), Eppstein-Barr Virus, Ebola Virus (16) and Lassa Virus (7), human Adenovirus (36)

detection of bacterial pathogens: MRSA (30, 41), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (2), Ricksettsia ricksettsii (34), Borrelia (25), Group B Streptococcus(15)

detection of pathogenic yeast: Cyptococcus (27)

detection of pathogenic other parasites: Malaria diagnostics – Plasmodium (10, 23, 44), Cryptosporidium (11), Toxoplasma gondii (21), Entamoeba histolytica (29), Leishmaniaviannia spp. (38), etc.

SNP-genotyping (45)

cancer-related biomarkers (14)

Veterinary and ecological Applications

Especially in the veterinary context, diagnostic tools for point-of-need applications play an important role. The connection to molecular biology opens up new possibilities for veterinarians. Monitoring and detection of animal diseases in the field are of particular importance in this context.


species identification / ecological studies (51)

detection of animal pathogens – epidemic agents:

fish viruses (24 ‚26 ‚40)

shrimp viruses (20),

African Swine Fever Virus (6, 48),

Porcine Parvovirus ,

Porcine Circovirus Type 2,

Bovine Leukemia Virus,

Mycoplasma bovis (50), etc.

Food Safety / Quality Control

The food safety sector can also benefit massively from innovative, molecular, point-of-need compatible methods. Milenia Biotec GmbH has developed its own detection systems based on Milenia® HybriDetect, which play a role in the beverage industry. During this process, we were able to experience that a simplification of existing technologies such as pcr can bring great benefits for microbiological analysis. Consequently, we can tell from our own experience that there is a great need for simple, accurate and sensitive techniques in this field of application.


hygienic control (5) surface monitoring in breweries (Milenia® GenLine direct detection of beer spoilage bacteria from swabs)

foodborne pathogens: Salmonella (13) , Listeria spp., Listeria monocytogenes (22), etc.

beverage spoiling organisms: water contaminants, beer spoiling bacteria, fruit juice contaminants, etc.

allergen detection (3)

GMO-monitoring

product authentification (42)

Agriculture

It is obvious that simple molecular analytics that can be applied in the field will be of great relevance, especially in the agricultural sector. Phytopathological questions are of particular importance. But also GMO monitoring and authentication are relevant thematic aspects that can be addressed here.


plant health

GMO monitoring

Species identification

plant monitoring (1)

plant pathogen detection

fungal plant pathogens: Macrophomia phaesolina (31), Phytophtora species (12, 46)

plant viruses (49)

nematodes: Meloidogyne hapla (32)

bacterial plant pathogens: Clavibacter michiganenensis (37)

Biothreat / Warfare Agents

This is a very special topic, where the speed and accuracy of the analysis are of decisive importance. Simple, direct and rapid molecular analyses can be essential tools for assessing such situations. Of course, it would be best, if such tests were not needed at all.


Bacillus anhtracis, Burkholderia pseudomallei (33, 39), Coxiella burnetii, etc.

From the Idea to a Potential Product

The use of an universal LFD has important advantages that should be considered at the very beginning of assay development. The universal character of the Milenia HybriDetect allows fast assay development, because the LFD in the test system works reliably, consistently and is available in both, large and small quantities. Moreover, the test system is easily adaptable for additional applications. Should a test system work properly and inquiries regarding commercialization increase, the Milenia® HybriDetect can represent a safe and constantly available component from the very beginning of the project. Ultimately, this platform offers numerous advantages, ranging from the initial idea to a potential commercial product.


Milenia HybriDetect Methods and Fields of Application

 


 


If you want to learn about the Milenia® HybriDetect & Milenia® HybriDetect 2T, you are welcome to check out the following content:


“Milenia® HybriDetect Basics“ Part I – A Universal Lateral Flow Development Platform

„Milenia® HybriDetect Basics“ Part II – Nucleic Acid Amplification and Lateral Flow

PCR & Lateral Flow

CRISPR-Cas & Lateral Flow

LAMP & Lateral Flow

RPA & Lateral Flow

Milenia® HybriDetect – Lateral Flow and Multiplexing

Milenia® HybriDetect – A Tool for Diagnostic Kits