Fully automated chemiluminescence detection using an electrified-Lab-on-a-Disc (eLoaD) platform

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Traditional Lab-on-a-Disc (LoaD) platforms require stopping disc rotation for measurements, leading to errors in time-dependent assays.
• Liquid displacement and bubble formation occur without a stabilizing centrifugal field during disc stops.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel wirelessly electrified Lab-on-a-Disc (eLoaD) platform for continuous measurements during disc spinning.
• To enable online measurements independent of disc rotation by integrating components within the rotating frame.

Main Methods:

• Developed a modular eLoaD platform with an interchangeable 'Application Disc' for various measurement types.
• Integrated measurement components within the rotating frame for bidirectional data transmission.
• Demonstrated optical readout using a silicon photomultiplier and a chemiluminescent antibody for ELISA-like assays.

Main Results:

• Achieved >94% precision with the eLoaD platform.
• Demonstrated >96% accuracy compared to a commercial benchtop luminometer.
• Validated the platform's capability for continuous, rotation-independent measurements.

Conclusions:

• The eLoaD platform enables continuous, accurate measurements in spinning microfluidic systems.
• Its modular design allows adaptation for diverse optical, electrochemical, and other LoaD applications.
• This technology offers significant improvements over conventional LoaD systems for time-dependent assays.