Integrated centrifugal microfluidic device with three-dimensional molecular concentrator for plasma separation and...

Microfluidic-based liquid biopsy allows for sensitive and non-invasive detection of circulating biomarkers such as circulating free DNA (cfDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and extracellular vesicles (EVs), serving as a valuable tool for early cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and precision medicine. The clinical application of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has significantly improved prostate cancer screening. The integration of microfluidics with PSA detection enables ultra-sensitive analysis at low concentrations, crucial for early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and reduced metastasis and mortality. In this research, a novel centrifugal microfluidic device combined with a three-dimensional molecular concentrator was created to separate and quantitatively decant blood plasma from whole blood samples and concentrate PSA biomarker molecules. The volume of plasma entering the molecular concentrator was precisely regulated by adjusting the rotational speed. The electrokinetic behavior of the molecular concentrator was studied through numerical modeling and experimental validation. The incorporation of a microconstriction structure significantly improved electric field localization, enhancing the field-focusing factor by approximately 30,000-fold. This intensified field facilitated rapid molecular accumulation, resulting in a 10⁶-fold increase in PSA within 55 s. This device allows for quick and highly sensitive biomarker detection from minimally processed blood, providing a scalable and cost-effective platform for early cancer diagnosis and precision medicine.