3D Printed Microfluidic Devices for Integrated Immunoaffinity Extraction, Solid-Phase Extraction, and Fluorescent...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Background:

• Preterm birth (PTB) diagnosis requires complex sample preparation.
• Integrating multiple steps into a single platform is crucial for miniaturized diagnostics.
• Current methods lack the automation needed for rapid PTB risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a microfluidic device integrating immunoaffinity extraction (IAE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) for PTB biomarker analysis.
• To demonstrate the device's capability for selective extraction, concentration, and fluorescent labeling of PTB biomarkers.
• To advance the development of a comprehensive microfluidic platform for PTB prediction.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3D printed microfluidic device incorporating antibody-functionalized IAE and lauryl methacrylate reverse-phase SPE monoliths.
• Utilized 3D printed valves for precise flow control through the extraction monoliths.
• Iterative design process to optimize device functionality for biomarker analysis.

Main Results:

• The device successfully performed selective and reproducible extraction of three PTB biomarkers from buffer and depleted maternal blood serum.
• Demonstrated utility for both single-biomarker and multiplexed extraction strategies.
• Achieved concentrated elution of fluorescently labeled biomarkers, suitable for downstream analysis.

Conclusions:

• The developed microfluidic device effectively integrates orthogonal chromatographic extraction methods.
• This represents a significant advancement towards a complete microfluidic platform for preterm birth prediction.
• The automated sample preparation capabilities pave the way for improved diagnostic tools.