Non-enzymatic isothermal strand displacement and amplification (NISDA) does not enable sensitive nucleic acid quantification

Nucleic acid quantification using enzyme-free isothermal amplification methods

This preprint presents an attempt to replicate and validate the non-enzymatic isothermal strand displacement and amplification (NISDA) assay, a recently introduced method for nucleic acid detection. The authors’ inability to reproduce the sensitivity levels reported in the original NISDA publication, despite extensive testing and variations in experimental conditions, suggests a potential drift from the initial model. While not a complete crisis, the failure to replicate core findings raises concerns about the robustness and reliability of the original NISDA model and warrants further investigation. The issues encountered highlight potential flaws in the assay's sensitivity and indicate a need for reassessment and potential adjustments to the initial model. The preprint itself doesn't propose radical alternative approaches, therefore, a full Model Crisis or Model Revolution classification wouldn't accurately reflect the current stage.