A Microfluidic Platform with an Embedded Miniaturized Electrochemical Sensor for On-Chip Plasma Extraction Followed
Zhi-Xuan Lai1, Chia-Chien Wu1, Nien-Tsu Huang1,2
1Graduation Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
Biosensors
|December 23, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a microfluidic device for rapid, on-chip plasma extraction and C-reactive protein (CRP) detection. The platform enables point-of-care cardiovascular disease risk assessment using whole blood samples.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Conventional blood testing requires complex processing and skilled technicians, hindering point-of-care applications.
- Current methods for plasma separation and biomarker detection are time-consuming and not suitable for rapid diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a microfluidic platform for integrated on-chip plasma extraction and in situ biomarker detection.
- To enable rapid and accurate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment at the point-of-care.
Main Methods:
- A microfluidic platform combining anti-D immunoglobulin-assisted sedimentation and membrane filtration for plasma extraction.
- Fabrication of a 3D microchannel with an embedded electrochemical (EC) sensor for C-reactive protein (CRP) detection.
- Integration of blood collector and buffer reservoir using standard Luer connectors for a modular design.
Main Results:
- Achieved high-purity plasma extraction comparable to centrifugation, but with smaller sample volume (400 µL whole blood) and reduced time (7 min).
- Demonstrated successful in situ CRP detection in plasma and whole blood within a 0.1-10 μg/mL concentration range.
- The platform covers the clinically relevant range for high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) testing for CVD risk evaluation.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic platform offers a flexible, sample-to-answer solution for integrating complex sample processing with accurate biomarker detection.
- This technology has significant potential for point-of-care CVD risk monitoring in critical clinical situations.
- The platform facilitates accessible and efficient diagnostic testing outside traditional laboratory settings.
