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Image decoding of photonic crystal beads array in the microfluidic chip for multiplex assays
Junjie Yuan1, Xiangwei Zhao1, Xiaoxia Wang1
11] State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China [2] Laboratory of Environment and Biosafety Research Institute of Southeast University in Suzhou, Suzhou 215123, China.
Automated image processing enables accurate color decoding of photonic crystal beads (PCBs) in microfluidic chips for multiplex point-of-care testing (POCT). This method supports robust, cost-effective health monitoring without specialized hardware.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- The demand for ubiquitous health monitoring drives the development of point-of-care testing (POCT).
- Photonic crystal beads (PCBs) are effective microcarriers for sensitive multiplex bioassays in microfluidic chips.
- Automated analysis of PCBs is challenging due to their unique optical properties and detection methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an automated image processing strategy for color decoding PCBs in microfluidic chips.
- To enable cost-effective and high-sensitivity multiplex bioassays for POCT applications.
- To overcome limitations in current PCB analysis for automated systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilized automated image processing techniques to analyze PCBs within microfluidic chips.
- Integrated and processed two imaging modalities: epi-fluorescence and epi-white light.
- Developed algorithms for accurate extraction and color decoding of individual PCBs based on photonic crystal properties.
Main Results:
- Successfully extracted and decoded intact PCBs from combined image data.
- Achieved high accuracy and robustness in PCB color decoding across various configurations.
- Demonstrated a method that eliminates the need for expensive spectroscopy equipment and user-interactive software.
Conclusions:
- The proposed automated image processing method facilitates general automated analysis of POCT based on PCB arrays.
- This approach enhances the feasibility of cost-effective, sensitive, and accessible multiplex bioassays.
- The findings support the advancement of portable and automated diagnostic tools for widespread health monitoring.
