About this Research Topic
According to the WHO document, rapid and early detection of infectious and foodborne pathogens displays a dramatic impact on controlling and preventing an outbreak. To face current challenges regarding infectious and foodborne pathogens, a point-of-care testing (POCT) concept has been introduced to detection methods and devices. POCT requires that all of the analytical processes, from sample collection to result communication, should be performable in one or a few simple steps to reduce time and costs between test and treatment. WHO developed the ASSURED (affordable, sensitive, specific, user-friendly, rapid and robust, equipment-free, and deliverable) criteria that should be the paradigm for POCT. Development of low-cost and reliable POCT methods and devices with on-site application will have considerable advantages over laboratory-based testing, because lab-based testing requires expensive equipment and technological personnel which are mostly unavailable on-site. Although POCT has yet to be fully translated into on-site application, it is likely to become more common in the future.
This Research Topic is focused on novel POCT methods and devices for infectious and foodborne pathogens which pose emergency threats to the public heath for human and animals. We are engaged in a process aiming at improving on-site application of rapid diagnostic techniques by detecting analytes including antigens, nucleic acids and specific antibodies for microorganisms.
The research advances in POCT methods and devices are highly welcomed to be submitted to this Research Topic, such as microfluidics, nanomaterials, biosensors, molecular amplifications, wireless cell phone based technologies, lab-on-a-chip, and paper based devices with long-term reagent storage and the advanced POCT methods based on them. We welcome multiple article types including Original Research articles, Reviews and Mini Reviews.
Keywords: Infectious and foodborne pathogen, Point-of-Care Testing (POCT), on-site application
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