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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
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Application of Biochip Microfluidic Technology to Detect Serum Allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E (sIgE)
Published on: April 21, 2019
Negative-Pressure-Actuated Microfluidics: A Dual-Mode Point-of-Care Sensor for Allergen-Specific IgE in Interstitial
Jun Zhang1, Huiting Lian1,2, Guangming Liu3,4
1College of Materials Science and Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China.
Analytical Chemistry
|July 1, 2026
Summary
A novel dual-signal microfluidic sensor detects ovalbumin-specific IgE (OVA-sIgE) for allergy testing. This integrated platform offers accurate, reliable point-of-care diagnostics using nanomaterials and microfluidics.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanomaterials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Accurate detection of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) is crucial for diagnosing allergies.
- Existing methods for sIgE detection often require complex laboratory equipment and trained personnel, limiting point-of-care applications.
- Interstitial fluid analysis offers a promising alternative for non-invasive allergy diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an integrated dual-signal microfluidic immunosensor for sensitive and reliable detection of ovalbumin-specific IgE (OVA-sIgE) in interstitial fluid.
- To combine colorimetric and fluorescent detection methods on a single chip for enhanced accuracy and built-in verification.
- To create a user-friendly, point-of-care platform for decentralized allergy testing.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of a pH-responsive composite (ZIF-8 encapsulating phenolphthalein and conjugated with antibodies).
- Development of a paper-based microfluidic chip co-immobilizing carbon dots (CDs) and OVA antigen for dual-mode detection.
- Integration of the sensing elements into a custom-designed negative-pressure-driven microfluidic system for automated sample processing.
Main Results:
- The dual-signal sensor achieved high sensitivity for OVA-sIgE detection, with limits of detection of 0.026 ng/mL (colorimetric) and 0.032 ng/mL (fluorescence).
- The integrated system demonstrated excellent selectivity, anti-interference capabilities, and high reliability with favorable spike-and-recovery rates.
- Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis showed high Area Under the Curve (AUC) values (0.9999) for both signals, indicating minimal false positives.
Conclusions:
- The developed integrated dual-signal microfluidic immunosensor provides a practical, accurate, and reliable platform for point-of-care allergy testing.
- The combination of advanced nanomaterials, dual-mode transduction, and microfluidic engineering enables efficient and user-friendly decentralized diagnostics.
- This technology holds significant potential for improving the accessibility and efficiency of allergy diagnosis in clinical settings.
