Disk-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using the liquid-aliquoting and siphoning-evacuation technique

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Assay Development
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are widely used for disease detection.
• Traditional ELISAs can be costly and complex, requiring multiple reagent additions and washes.
• Centrifugal platforms offer potential for miniaturization and automation but require efficient fluid handling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cost-effective and user-friendly method for performing multiple ELISAs on a centrifugal platform.
• To introduce the liquid-aliquoting and siphoning-evacuation (LASE) technique for simplified reagent delivery and waste removal.
• To reduce the overall cost and complexity of ELISA protocols.

Main Methods:

• Development of the liquid-aliquoting and siphoning-evacuation (LASE) technique.
• On-demand, single-time reagent loading and distribution into reaction chambers.
• Implementation of a siphoning-evacuation system for improved washing efficiency.
• Integration of the entire assay protocol into a two-step spinning protocol.

Main Results:

• The LASE technique allows for efficient, single-step reagent aliquoting and delivery.
• The siphoning-evacuation system effectively removes waste and simplifies washing steps.
• A two-step spinning protocol enables the complete ELISA assay, reducing hardware costs.
• The developed system demonstrates a low-cost and user-friendly approach to ELISA execution.

Conclusions:

• The LASE technique provides a novel and efficient method for conducting ELISAs on centrifugal platforms.
• This approach significantly reduces reagent consumption and simplifies assay procedures.
• The developed system offers a promising solution for low-cost, accessible diagnostic testing.