Integrating microfluidics and biosensing on a single flexible acoustic device using hybrid modes

Area of Science:

• Microfluidics
• Biosensing
• Acoustofluidics

Background:

• Integrating microfluidics and biosensing is crucial for point-of-care diagnostics.
• Current devices often require separate actuation mechanisms for fluid handling and biomolecular sensing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a single acoustofluidic device capable of both fluidic actuation and biosensing.
• To develop a flexible thin film platform for integrated microfluidic and biosensing applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a flexible thin film acoustofluidic platform to generate hybrid wave modes.
• Employed Lamb waves for fluidic actuation (mixing, transport, disposal) and thickness shear waves for biosensing.
• Developed an aptamer-based strategy for detecting the chemotherapeutic Imatinib.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated sequential fluid handling functions using Lamb waves.
• Achieved sensitive detection of Imatinib via aptamer binding and mass change detection using thickness shear waves.
• Validated the integrated platform's capability for therapy monitoring.

Conclusions:

• A single acoustofluidic device can perform both fluidic actuation and biosensing.
• The flexible thin film platform enables versatile sample-to-answer biosensing applications.
• This technology holds potential for developing advanced point-of-care diagnostic devices.