Smartphone-readable barcode assays for quantitative analysis

In the literature, there has been a recent surge in smartphone-based bioanalytical techniques, particularly for point-of-care and medical diagnostics. These devices aim to have certain characteristics such as affordability, sensitivity, be user friendly and equipment-free. To add to the growing field, a smartphone-readable, bona fide barcode assay is demonstrated; the work performed to develop the app to read colorimetric assays and the design of the barcode assay is discussed. Paper-printed tests and direct biotin-streptavidin assay were used to test the initial app. Barcode reading abilities in the app allowed for the validation of the barcode assay (for the pregnancy hormone, hCG), which proved to be both qualitative and quantitative when scanned and imaged using a smartphone-app combination. No external accessories are required, thereby highlighting its potential to boost the research and development of POC devices, particularly by minimizing the need for specialized instrumentation and providing instant testing results on-site.