Optoelectronic microfluidic device for point-of-care blood plasma viscosity measurement

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Blood plasma viscosity is a key indicator of various diseases.
• Paper-based microfluidic devices offer advantages like minimal sample volume and capillary action for viscosity measurements.
• Existing methods for plasma viscosity measurement can be expensive and complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a precise, non-contact optoelectronic system for measuring blood plasma viscosity using a microfluidic platform.
• To create an affordable and accessible device for routine clinical diagnostics.
• To offer a safer alternative to existing viscometry methods.

Main Methods:

• Microchannels were fabricated on filter paper using a wax crayon.
• A 5 μL blood plasma sample's transit time across a defined distance was measured using infrared sensors.
• Viscosity was automatically calculated by a microcontroller, with temperature controlled at 37 °C.

Main Results:

• The microfluidic platform provided viscosity measurements in under three minutes for real samples.
• Evaluations showed over 96% precision compared to conventional Ostwald viscometer readings.
• Strong correlations were observed between measured viscosity and clinical diagnoses in human subjects.

Conclusions:

• The developed paper-based microfluidic viscometer is precise, rapid, and cost-effective.
• The device offers a safer, non-contact alternative for plasma viscosity measurement, avoiding risks associated with conventional equipment.
• This technology has potential for widespread application in disease diagnostics and monitoring.