Advancing Point-of-Care (PoC) Testing Using Human Saliva as Liquid Biopsy

Abstract

Salivary diagnostics is an emerging field for the encroachment of point of care technology (PoCT). The necessity of the development of point-of-care (PoC) technology, the potential of saliva, identification and validation of biomarkers through salivary diagnostic toolboxes, and a broad overview of emerging technologies is discussed in this review. Furthermore, novel advanced techniques incorporated in devices for the early detection and diagnosis of several oral and systemic diseases in a non-invasive, easily-monitored, less time consuming, and in a personalised way is explicated. The latest technology detection systems and clinical utilities of saliva as a liquid biopsy, electric field-induced release and measurement (EFIRM), biosensors, smartphone technology, microfluidics, paper-based technology, and how their futuristic perspectives can improve salivary diagnostics and reduce hospital stays by replacing it with chairside screening is also highlighted.

Keywords: biomarkers; diagnostic toolboxes; diseases; saliva; the point of care.

Figure 1

Depiction of the detection of various oral and systemic diseases through salivary biomarkers. Acquired Immuno Defeciency Syndrome (AIDS), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Myocardial infarction (MI), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), End Stage Renal Failure (ESRD) and Oral Squamous Muccous Fibrosis (OSMF).

Figure 2

Illustration of a range of promising emerging methods of PoC technologies.