Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
A Rapid, Multiplex Dual Reporter IgG and IgM SARS-CoV-2 Neutralization Assay for a Multiplexed Bead-Based Flow Analysis System
Published on: April 6, 2021
Microfluidic LIPS for serum antibody detection: demonstration of a rapid test for HSV-2 infection
Adnan Zubair1, Peter D Burbelo, Ludovic G Vincent
1Microfabrication and Microfluidics Unit, Biomedical Engineering and Physical Science Shared Resource, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 13, Rm. 3N18, 13 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-5766, USA.
Insights
This study introduces a rapid, microfluidic Luciferase Immunoprecipitation Systems (LIPS) assay for point-of-care antibody testing. The novel device achieves high accuracy in diagnosing infections like HSV-2.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Medical Diagnostics
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Point-of-care antibody testing is crucial for diagnosing infectious and autoimmune diseases.
- Current methods require miniaturization and high quantification for effective point-of-care applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a self-contained, miniaturized device for quantitative antibody detection using Luciferase Immunoprecipitation Systems (LIPS) technology.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of LIPS in a microfluidic format for rapid diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Protein A/G was immobilized in PDMS-glass microchannels (500 nL volume).
- Renilla luciferase-tagged antigens and plasma were introduced simultaneously.
- Chemiluminescence was measured after substrate addition, with a total assay time under 10 minutes.
Main Results:
- The microfluidic LIPS assay demonstrated high diagnostic performance.
- Achieved 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for diagnosing Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection.
Conclusions:
- The microfluidic LIPS format is a promising platform for automated, portable antibody testing.
- This technology can be readily adapted for the diagnosis of various infectious and autoimmune diseases at the point-of-care.
Abstract:
There is great interest in point-of-care antibody testing for the diagnosis of infectious and autoimmune diseases. As a first step in the development of self-contained and miniaturized devices for highly quantitative antibody detection, we demonstrate the application of Luciferase Immunoprecipitation Systems (LIPS) technology in a microfluidic format. Protein A/G was immobilized on the walls of PDMS-glass microchannels of 500 nL volume. The assay proceeds with the simultaneous introduction of plasma and Renilla luciferase-tagged antigens. Following washing, coelenterazine substrate was added and bound antigen-luciferase measured by chemiluminescence. Total assay time, including rinsing and detection, is under 10 min. Using these stable microfluidic devices, high diagnostic performance (100% sensitivity and 100% specificity) was achieved for the diagnosis of HSV-2 infection. Based on these findings, the LIPS microfluidic format should readily lend itself to automation and the transfer to portable instrumentation.
