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Highly-integrated lab-on-chip system for point-of-care multiparameter analysis
Soeren Schumacher1, Jörg Nestler, Thomas Otto
1Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, Am Mühlenberg 13, D-14476 Potsdam, Germany. soeren.schumacher@ibmt.fraunhofer.de
Lab on a Chip
|November 1, 2011
Summary
A new lab-on-chip system enables low-cost, on-site in vitro diagnostics. This integrated and modular platform performs multiparameter analyses in about 15 minutes, advancing personalized medicine.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Diagnostic Technology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Point-of-care diagnostics require integrated, modular systems for on-site analysis.
- Multiparameter analyses are crucial for personalized medicine and companion diagnostics.
- Existing diagnostic platforms often lack integration and affordability for widespread point-of-care use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the development of a marketable lab-on-chip system, the "Fraunhofer ivD-platform", for point-of-care in vitro diagnostics.
- To demonstrate the system's modularity and integration capabilities for adapting various assay formats and enabling on-site analysis.
- To address the need for low-cost, rapid, and multiparameter diagnostic solutions.
Main Methods:
- Development of a self-contained cartridge integrating reagents, microfluidic actuators, and sensors.
- Implementation of a fully automated instrumentation unit for read-out, data acquisition, and analysis.
- Establishment of assays for nucleic acids and protein markers using electrochemical and optical read-out methods.
- Integration of sample preparation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on-chip for DNA amplification.
Main Results:
- The Fraunhofer ivD-platform offers a modular and integrated solution for on-site diagnostics.
- Assays for nucleic acids (pathogens) and protein markers (CRP, PSA) were successfully established with performance comparable to microtiter plate assays.
- The system integrates sample preparation and PCR, enabling automated DNA amplification.
- The platform covers the entire value chain from microfluidics to production design.
Conclusions:
- The Fraunhofer ivD-platform provides a cost-effective, rapid, and versatile solution for point-of-care in vitro diagnostics.
- The system's modularity and integration facilitate multiparameter analyses, supporting personalized medicine.
- The developed technology bridges the gap between diagnostic needs and available technologies, paving the way for market launch.
