Highly efficient and scalable biomarker preconcentrator based on nanoelectrokinetics.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Micro/nanofluidics offer potential for biological sample preparation but are limited by small processing volumes.
• Current microfluidic systems typically handle sample volumes in the microliter range, restricting applications for large samples.
• Efficiently processing larger sample volumes is crucial for practical biomarker analysis and diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a microfluidic paper-based large-volume preconcentrator (u-LVP) for biomarker enrichment and purification.
• To overcome the sample volume limitations inherent in conventional microfluidic devices.
• To enable efficient isolation and concentration of biomarkers like miRNA from complex biological samples.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Nafion-functionalized multilayer cellulose paper for microscale sample division and ion concentration polarization.
• Employed electrokinetic separation to isolate and preconcentrate biomarkers within the microfluidic paper device.
• Integrated collecting discs for simple and high-efficiency recovery of the enriched biomarkers.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated successful separation and preconcentration of miRNA-21 from human serum, effectively removing proteins.
• Achieved an effective preconcentration factor exceeding 6.63 for miRNA-21.
• Obtained a recovery rate above 84% for the targeted biomarker.

Conclusions:

• The developed microfluidic paper-based large-volume preconcentrator (u-LVP) effectively addresses sample volume limitations in microfluidics.
• This platform offers a promising solution for biomarker enrichment and purification, enhancing diagnostic and prognostic research.
• The u-LVP technology presents new opportunities for biomarker discovery, diagnostics, and therapeutic applications.