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Autonomous lab-on-a-chip generic architecture for disposables with integrated actuation
Anke Suska1, Daniel Filippini2
1Optical Devices Laboratory, Division of Sensor and Actuator Systems, IFM-Linköping University, S58183, Linköping, Sweden.
Scientific Reports
|January 1, 2020
Summary
This study presents an affordable, 3D-printed lab-on-a-chip device for autonomous assays. The modular design integrates reagents and offers precise liquid handling, enabling complex protocols like ELISA with reduced costs.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microfluidics
- 3D Printing Technology
Background:
- Integrating actuators into disposable lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices presents challenges in reliability, fabrication, and cost for single-use applications.
- Existing LOC platforms often lack integrated actuation and modularity for complex, multi-step biological assays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate an affordable, 3D-printed prototype for autonomous LOC devices with integrated actuation.
- To develop a modular platform capable of handling complex protocols like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Main Methods:
- Development of a compact, modular 3D-printed manifold with multiple injectors and unidirectional valves.
- Integration of reagent storage, precise volume metering (2.68% error for 5 μL), arbitrary dilution, mixing, and sample injection control.
- Modular functionalization using plug-in elements for platform repurposing.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated systematic fabrication of 6 injectors/device at a low development cost of $0.55/device.
- Achieved precise liquid handling comparable to pipettes.
- Successfully tested the platform with a commercial ELISA kit for tumor necrosis factor (TNF), showing comparable performance to traditional microplate methods.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3D-printed LOC prototype offers a cost-effective and modular solution for autonomous bioassays.
- The platform's design facilitates integration of actuation, precise liquid handling, and reagent management for diverse applications.
- This approach significantly reduces the cost and complexity of implementing advanced assays on disposable LOC devices.
