Biophotonics point-of-care diagnostics in low-resource settings: a South African perspective
Abstract
Significance: Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics based on photonics and biophotonics technologies hold transformative potential for healthcare delivery in peri-urban and underdeveloped settings, combining optical sensitivity with portability, rapid readout, and minimal consumable requirements.
Aim: We aim to synthesize design considerations and recent advances that align photonics-based POC devices with the World Health Organization's ASSURED/REASSURED framework, emphasizing affordability, sensitivity, ease of use, rapidity, robustness, equipment-free operation where possible, deliverability, and the added priorities of real-time connectivity and environmental sustainability.
Approach: We examine implementation evidence from sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting gaps in field validation, quality assurance, and sustainability identified by recent scoping reviews, as well as the persistent need for context-adapted usability and training strategies. Advances covered include miniaturized optical biosensors (fluorescence, Raman, and photothermal modalities), smartphone-integrated microscopy and spectroscopy, low-cost LASER/LED illumination systems, and multiplexed lateral-flow/optical hybrids, all tailored for low-resource constraints.
Results: We discuss how digitization and connected diagnostics (including data standards, mobile health integration, and secure cloud reporting) amplify clinical impact, enable surveillance, and support task-shifting in primary care, aligning with South…
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