Loop-mediated isothermal amplification: Beyond microbial identification

Abstract

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was introduced in the year 2000 by Notomi, as a highly sensitive, specific, and cost-effective technique for microbial identification. LAMP, a simple DNA amplification technique, with its field-amenable nature has been used to detect a variety of pathogens including viruses, fungi, bacteria, and parasites and in most of the cases it surpasses polymerase chain reaction. However, literature world has seen different set of research articles surfacing in last 5–6 years which are good example for thinking out of box. This review is the summation of selected LAMP assays which are used for different purposes other than microbial detection. This is an effort to provide a brief idea about how a small innovation to already established technique in one field can help other fields too. This review is a rundown of all the LAMP assays reported so far other than the ones which are reported for the identification of microbes. These include the implementation of LAMP assay in the field of molecular diagnosis of cancer, identification of genetically modified organisms, detection of food adulteration, eutrophication, food allergens, pesticides, identification of medicinal plants, drug resistance, and DNA methylation studies.

Keywords:

• drug resistance
• food adulteration
• genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
• loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)
• molecular diagnosis
• polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Public Interest Statement

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), a simple DNA amplification technique, with its field-amenable nature has been used to detect a variety of pathogens including viruses, fungi, bacteria, and parasites and in most of the cases it surpasses polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This review is a rundown of all the LAMP assays reported so far other than the ones which are reported for the identification of microbes. These include the implementation of LAMP assay in the field of molecular diagnosis of cancer, identification of GMOs, detection of food adulteration, eutrophication, food allergens, pesticides, identification of medicinal plants, drug resistance, and DNA methylation studies. The challenges faced by the available technologies are mostly the cost of the kits and their use as standalone technologies, and hence LAMP holds a promise of being affordable. We believe this would help the researchers to consider the use of this technology as an affordable and viable option.

Competing interests

The author declares no competing interest.

Additional information

Funding

Funding. The authors received no direct funding for this research.

Notes on contributors

Rajesh R. Kundapur

Rajesh R. Kundapur is a consultant in the Department of Molecular Biology at National AIDS Research Institute under Indian Council of medical Research Govt. of India. Specialized in DNA sequencing and different PCR techniques mainly used for diagnostic purposes. He has published eight international research articles to his credit.

Vijay Nema

Vijay Nema is presently working as Scientist “C” and In-charge of the Department of Molecular Biology at National AIDS Research Institute, Indian Council of medical Research Govt. of India. He is actively involved in the development of new diagnostic tools for AIDS related infections (bacterial, parasitic, and mycobacterial infections). To unravel, the conservation pattern of existing and new drug targets in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Metagenomic analysis of patient samples for screening and impact assessment of microbial populations using next generation sequencing. He has more than 20 international research articles to his credit.