Automated 3D-Printed Microfluidic Array for Rapid Nanomaterial-Enhanced Detection of Multiple Proteins

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Multiplexed protein detection is crucial for diagnostics.
• Existing immunoassays can be costly and complex.
• Need for sensitive, automated, and low-cost diagnostic tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and validate a novel 3D-printed, automated immunoarray.
• To achieve ultralow detection limits for multiple proteins.
• To demonstrate utility in detecting cancer biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3D-printed automated immunoarray with touch-screen micropump control.
• Utilized electrochemiluminescent (ECL) detection with a CCD camera.
• Employed single-wall carbon nanotube-antibody conjugates and RuBPY-silica nanoparticles for enhanced sensitivity.

Main Results:

• Achieved ultralow limits of detection (LOD) as low as 78-110 fg mL⁻¹ for eight proteins in diluted serum.
• Demonstrated rapid detection of an eight-protein prostate cancer biomarker panel in 25 minutes.
• The cost of the array is $0.65, with an eight-protein assay costing $0.14 per protein.

Conclusions:

• The developed automated immunoarray is cost-effective, sensitive, and rapid.
• The system is suitable for clinical and point-of-care diagnostic testing.
• Potential application in resource-limited settings for disease diagnosis.