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Capillary-based Centrifugal Microfluidic Device for Size-controllable Formation of Monodisperse Microdroplets
Published on: February 22, 2016
Rotatable reagent cartridge for high-performance microvalve system on a centrifugal microfluidic device
Takayuki Kawai1, Nahoko Naruishi, Hidenori Nagai
1Stress Signal Research Group, Health Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Ikeda, Osaka, Japan. t.kawai@aist.go.jp
Analytical Chemistry
|June 28, 2013
Summary
Researchers developed a novel rotatable reagent cartridge (RRC) for microfluidic lab-on-a-CD (LabCD) systems. This innovation simplifies complex bioassays by enabling precise, multi-reagent control without numerous microvalves, reducing costs and enhancing on-site analysis.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics and Bioanalytical Chemistry
- Lab-on-a-Chip Technology
- On-site Diagnostics
Background:
- Microfluidic lab-on-a-CD (LabCD) platforms offer potential for compact, pumpless on-site bioassays.
- Existing LabCD systems rely on multiple microvalves for fluid control, leading to complex designs and increased costs.
- No single microvalve can regulate multiple channels, necessitating intricate fluidic networks for sequential bioassay steps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel microfluidic component for simplified fluid control in LabCD systems.
- To reduce the complexity and cost associated with multi-step bioassays on LabCD platforms.
- To enhance the integratability and practicality of LabCD devices for on-site bioanalysis.
Main Methods:
- Development of a rotatable reagent cartridge (RRC) with multiple internal reagent compartments.
- Integration and mechanical rotation of the RRC within the LabCD to select and dispense reagents.
- Design of an air-vent-free RRC utilizing a gas-permeable gap for controlled reagent conservation and ejection.
Main Results:
- The RRC successfully controlled the injection of various reagents (230 nL-10 μL) with high recovery rates (>96%).
- A simplified fluidic system was achieved, minimizing the need for traditional microvalves and reservoirs.
- Demonstrated utility in an L-lactate enzymatic assay, enabling quantitative analysis (0-100 μM) with excellent linearity (R² > 0.999).
Conclusions:
- The rotatable reagent cartridge (RRC) effectively simplifies fluidic control in microfluidic lab-on-a-CD (LabCD) systems.
- This approach significantly reduces system complexity and cost for multi-step bioassays.
- The RRC demonstrates practical utility for quantitative on-site bioanalysis, enhancing LabCD applicability.
