Development of a Miniaturized, Automated, and Cost-Effective Device for Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Diagnostics

Background:

• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is a crucial diagnostic technique.
• Conventional ELISA methods often require complex equipment and trained personnel.
• There is a need for accessible and affordable diagnostic tools, especially for resource-limited settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement a miniaturized, automated, and cost-effective ELISA device.
• To demonstrate the device's capability using Interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a model analyte.
• To assess the device's suitability for point-of-care applications.

Main Methods:

• Development of a compact device (24 cm × 19 cm × 14 cm, <3 kg) without traditional pipetting or microfluidic valves.
• Utilization of 3D-printed disposable components like reagent reservoir disks and microfluidic connectors.
• Demonstration of ELISA measurement using IL-6 as a model.

Main Results:

• The device achieves automated ELISA measurements with a low hardware cost (approx. $1200).
• The estimated cost per test is less than $10.
• 3D-printed disposables were successfully integrated into the system.

Conclusions:

• The developed ELISA device is compact, automated, and cost-effective.
• Its features make it highly suitable for point-of-care diagnostics in resource-limited environments.
• This innovation can improve diagnostic accessibility in underserved regions.