LAMP-based foldable microdevice platform for the rapid detection of Magnaporthe oryzae and Sarocladium oryzae in rice seed

Rice blast (caused by Magnaporthe oryzae) and sheath rot diseases (caused by Sarocladium oryzae) are the most predominant seed-borne pathogens of rice. The detection of both pathogens in rice seed is essential to avoid production losses. In the present study, a microdevice platform was designed, which works on the principles of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to detect M. oryzae and S. oryzae in rice seeds. Initially, a LAMP, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR), and helicase dependent amplification (HDA) assays were developed with primers, specifically targeting M. oryzae and S. oryzae genome. The LAMP assay was highly efficient and could detect the presence of M. oryzae and S. oryzae genome at a concentration down to 100 fg within 20 min at 60 °C. Further, the sensitivity of the LAMP, HDA, PCR, and qPCR assays were compared wherein; the LAMP assay was highly sensitive up to 100 fg of template DNA. Using the optimized LAMP assay conditions, a portable foldable microdevice platform was developed to detect M. oryzae and S. oryzae in rice seeds. The foldable microdevice assay was similar to that of conventional LAMP assay with respect to its sensitivity (up to 100 fg), rapidity (30 min), and specificity. This platform could serve as a prototype for developing on-field diagnostic kits to be used at the point of care centers for the rapid diagnosis of M. oryzae and S. oryzae in rice seeds. This is the first study to report a LAMP-based foldable microdevice platform to detect any plant pathogens.