How does LAMP work?

LAMP or Loop-mediated Isothermal amplification is an emerging but rapidly growing technology that allows DNA amplification at a constant temperature. This technique uses four specially designed primers that are capable of recognizing 6 distinct sequences on the target gene. The reaction proceeds at a constant temperature of 60°C to 65°C using strand displacement reaction. Amplification and detection of a gene can be completed in a single step.  

DNA amplification using LAMP is much simpler, faster, and cheaper than conventional PCR. This is because there is no need to use a thermocycler, nor is there any need for other sophisticated equipment. LAMP is also able to detect the target gene more specifically than traditional PCR and qPCR because it uses 4 primers for detecting 6 distinct regions. For larger reaction volumes, detection can be at the end point by the naked eye. This is because magnesium pyrophosphate is a by-product of the reaction. The amount of magnesium pyrophosphate released by the reaction is in proportion to the amount of the amplified product. The sensitivity of the detection method can be increased allowing for real-time detection using intercalating dyes such as SYBR Green ™, and Helixyte™ Green, etc.