A Cell-Phone-Based Acoustofluidic Platform for Quantitative Point-of-Care Testing
Liying Zhang1,2, Zhenhua Tian3,2, Hunter Bachman2
1School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.
ACS Nano
|March 3, 2020
Summary
This study presents a cell-phone-based acoustofluidic platform for point-of-care testing. The device uses acoustic forces to enhance fluorescent nanoparticle signals for improved detection of analytes like hemoglobin.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Acoustofluidic methods offer simple, low-power, and biocompatible solutions for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics.
- Existing POC technologies require further enhancement in sensitivity and ease of use for widespread adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a cell-phone-based acoustofluidic platform for sensitive and rapid POC visual testing.
- To utilize acoustic radiation forces for analyte enrichment and signal amplification using fluorescent nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of an acoustofluidic device integrated with a cell-phone imaging system.
- Employing acoustic radiation forces to concentrate nanoscale analytes and fluorescent nanoparticles (SiO2@R and G@SiO2).
- Utilizing colorimetry for visual detection and quantification of analytes.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated significant enhancement of color signals from fluorescent probes, improving colorimetric sensitivity.
- Successfully detected hemoglobin (Hb) from human blood samples for rapid POC assessment.
- Achieved straightforward measurement of normal blood Hb levels, validating the platform's utility.
Conclusions:
- The developed acoustofluidic platform enables sensitive detection of analytes via enhanced fluorescence.
- Integration with cell-phone colorimetry offers a practical and accessible approach for POC testing.
- This technology presents a promising pathway for developing portable and user-friendly diagnostic tools.
