Microfluidic Device for Patient-Centric Multiplexed Assays with Readout in Centralized Laboratories

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Point-of-Care Diagnostics
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Patient-centric sampling is crucial for remote diagnostics.
• User-friendliness and safe shipment are key challenges in self-sampling workflows.
• Multiplexed immunoassays require sensitive and reliable biomarker detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a user-friendly, capillary-driven microfluidic device for patient self-sampling.
• To enable on-chip biomarker capture and drying for biohazard-free shipment.
• To demonstrate multiplexed immunoassay capabilities for a patient-centric workflow.

Main Methods:

• A capillary-driven microfluidic device was designed for biomarker capture.
• On-chip sample drying was implemented to ensure safe shipment.
• Multiplexed immunoassay was performed using five model blood biomarkers (C-Reactive Protein, MCP1, S100B, IGFBP1, IL6).

Main Results:

• The microfluidic device successfully performed the critical biomarker capturing step.
• On-chip drying enabled biohazard-free shipment of samples.
• Multiplexing capability was demonstrated for a panel of five blood biomarkers.

Conclusions:

• The developed device is applicable to patient-centric workflows, enhancing user-friendliness and sample safety.
• On-chip biomarker quantification facilitates advanced laboratory analytics.
• This technology opens new avenues for e-doctor and e-health applications.