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Vloemans D, Pieters A, Dal Dosso F, Lammertyn J. Revolutionizing sample preparation: a novel autonomous microfluidic platform for serial dilution. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2791-2801. [PMID: 38691394 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00195h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Dilution is a standard fluid operation widely employed in the sample preparation process of many bio(chemical) assays. It serves multiple essential functions such as sample mixing with certain reagents at specific dilution ratios, reducing sample matrix effects, bringing target analytes within the linear assay detection range, among many others. Traditionally, sample processing is performed in laboratory settings through manual or automated pipetting. When working in resource-limited settings, however, neither trained personnel nor proper laboratory equipment are available limiting the accessibility to high-quality diagnostic tests. In this work, we present a novel standalone and fully automated microfluidic platform for the stepwise preparation of serial dilutions without the need for any active elements. Stepwise dilution is achieved using the coordinated burst action of hydrophobic burst valves to first isolate a precisely metered volume from an applied sample drop and subsequently merge it with a prefilled diluent liquid. Downstream, expansion chambers are used to mix both reagents into a homogeneous solution. The dilution module was characterized to generate accurate and reproducible (CV < 7%) dilutions for targeted dilution factors of 2, 5 and 10×, respectively. Three dilution modules were coupled in series to generate three-fold logarithmic (log5 or log10) dilutions, with excellent linearity (R2 > 0.99). Its compatibility with whole blood was furthermore illustrated, proving its applicability for automating and downscaling bioassays with complex biological matrices. Finally, autonomous on-chip serial dilution was demonstrated by incorporating the self-powered (i)SIMPLE technology as a passive driving source for liquid manipulation. We believe that the simplicity and modularity of the presented autonomous dilution platform are of interest to many point-of-care applications in which sample dilution and reagent mixing are of importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dries Vloemans
- KU Leuven, Department of Biosystems, Biosensors Group, Willem de Croylaan 42, box 2428, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Alexander Pieters
- KU Leuven, Department of Biosystems, Biosensors Group, Willem de Croylaan 42, box 2428, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Francesco Dal Dosso
- KU Leuven, Department of Biosystems, Biosensors Group, Willem de Croylaan 42, box 2428, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jeroen Lammertyn
- KU Leuven, Department of Biosystems, Biosensors Group, Willem de Croylaan 42, box 2428, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
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Okamoto S, Nagai M, Shibata T, Ukita Y. Automatic microdispenser-integrated multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay device with autonomously driven centrifugal microfluidic system. RSC Adv 2024; 14:13827-13836. [PMID: 38681832 PMCID: PMC11047056 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02656j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we established the control and design theory of an autonomously driven dispenser at a steady rotation speed and proposed a dispenser-integrated multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) device. In establishing the theory of the dispenser, we estimated the flow rate in the dispenser and the applied pressure onto the passive valves, so that the suitable burst pressure of the valves and flow rate could be designed. The dispenser-integrated multiplex ELISA device has the potential to perform flow control for executing an ELISA of 6 samples/standards per chip or 18 samples/standards per compact disk by just steadily rotating a chip. In the immunoassay evaluation of the device using mouse IgG detection, it was confirmed that the device could assay 5 μL of several standards in just 30 min without nonspecific reactions, and although this system has a high limit of detection (LOD, 63.4-164 pg mL-1) it is equal to that of manual assay with a titer plate. The device can be fabricated by transferring the microchannel pattern from a mold without complex assembly or alignment, and it can control the liquid operation by just steadily rotating. Thus, the device system developed will contribute to reducing the cost of fabricating chips and control equipment for ELISA systems. Consequently, a compact, portable, and low-cost ELISA system for point-of-care testing is expected to be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunya Okamoto
- Toyohashi University of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering Japan
| | - Moeto Nagai
- Toyohashi University of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering Japan
- Toyohashi University of Technology, Institute for Research on Next-generation Semiconductor and Sensing Science (IRES2) Japan
| | - Takayuki Shibata
- Toyohashi University of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Ukita
- University of Yamanashi, Graduate Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research Japan
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Carthy É, Hughes B, Higgins E, Early P, Merne C, Walsh D, Parle-McDermott A, Kinahan DJ. Automated solid phase DNA extraction on a lab-on-a-disc with two-degrees of freedom instrumentation. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1280:341859. [PMID: 37858565 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lab-on-a-disc (LoaD) technology has emerged as a transformative approach for point-of-care diagnostics and high-throughput testing. The promise of integrating multiple laboratory functions onto a single integrated platform has significant implications for healthcare, especially in resource-limited settings. However, one of the primary challenges faced in the design and manufacture of LoaD devices is the integration of effective valving mechanisms. These valves are essential for fluid control and routing, but their intricacy often leads to complexities in design and increased vulnerability to failure. This emphasizes the need for improved designs and manufacturing processes without complex, integrated valving mechanisms. (96) RESULTS: We describe a fully automated biological workflow and reagent actuation on a LoaD device without an integrated valving system. The Two Degrees-of-Freedom (2DoF) custom centrifuge alters the centre of rotation, facilitating fluid flow direction changes on the microfluidic platform through a custom programmed interface. A novel 360-degree fluid manipulation approach via secondary planetary gear motion enabled sequential assay reagent actuation without embedded valve triggering, with the addition of infinite incubation times and efficient use of platform realty. The simplified LoaD platform uses clever design, with intermediate flow chambers to avoid cross contamination between reagent steps. Notably, the optimized LoaD platform demonstrated a two-fold DNA yield at higher HEK-293 cell concentrations compared to commercially available spin-column kits. This significantly simplified LoaD platform successfully automated a common, complex workflow without inhibiting DNA purification. (129) SIGNIFICANCE: This system exhibits the clever coupling of both 2DoF and centrifugal microfluidics to create an autonomous testing package capable of eradicating the need for complex valving systems to automate biological workflows on LoaDs. This automated system has outperformed commercially available DNA extraction kits for higher cell counts. The platform's elimination of valve requirements ensures unlimited sample incubation times and enhances reliability, making it a straightforward option for automated biological workflows, particularly in diagnostics. (73).
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Affiliation(s)
- Éadaoin Carthy
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland; National Centre for Sensor Research (NCSR), Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; Biodesign Europe, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Brian Hughes
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eimear Higgins
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Phil Early
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cian Merne
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Darren Walsh
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anne Parle-McDermott
- National Centre for Sensor Research (NCSR), Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David J Kinahan
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland; National Centre for Sensor Research (NCSR), Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; Biodesign Europe, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
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Johannsen B, Baumgartner D, Karkossa L, Paust N, Karpíšek M, Bostanci N, Zengerle R, Mitsakakis K. ImmunoDisk—A Fully Automated Bead-Based Immunoassay Cartridge with All Reagents Pre-Stored. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12060413. [PMID: 35735560 PMCID: PMC9221266 DOI: 10.3390/bios12060413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we present the ImmunoDisk, a fully automated sample-to-answer centrifugal microfluidic cartridge, integrating a heterogeneous, wash-free, magnetic- and fluorescent bead-based immunoassay (bound-free phase detection immunoassay/BFPD-IA). The BFPD-IA allows the implementation of a simple fluidic structure, where the assay incubation, bead separation and detection are performed in the same chamber. The system was characterized using a C-reactive protein (CRP) competitive immunoassay. A parametric investigation on air drying of protein-coupled beads for pre-storage at room temperature is presented. The key parameters were buffer composition, drying temperature and duration. A protocol for drying two different types of protein-coupled beads with the same temperature and duration using different drying buffers is presented. The sample-to-answer workflow was demonstrated measuring CRP in 5 µL of human serum, without prior dilution, utilizing only one incubation step, in 20 min turnaround time, in the clinically relevant concentration range of 15–115 mg/L. A reproducibility assessment over three disk batches revealed an average signal coefficient of variation (CV) of 5.8 ± 1.3%. A CRP certified reference material was used for method verification with a concentration CV of 8.6%. Our results encourage future testing of the CRP-ImmunoDisk in clinical studies and its point-of-care implementation in many diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benita Johannsen
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (L.K.); (N.P.); (R.Z.)
- Correspondence: (B.J.); (K.M.); Tel.: +49-761-203-7252 (B.J.); +49-761-203-73252 (K.M.)
| | - Desirée Baumgartner
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK—Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Lena Karkossa
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (L.K.); (N.P.); (R.Z.)
| | - Nils Paust
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (L.K.); (N.P.); (R.Z.)
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK—Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Michal Karpíšek
- BioVendor-Laboratorní Medicína a.s., Research & Diagnostic Products Division, Karasek 1767/1, Reckovice, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk University, Palackeho trida 1946/1, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nagihan Bostanci
- Section of Oral Health and Periodontology, Division of Oral Diseases, Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 14104 Huddinge, Sweden;
| | - Roland Zengerle
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (L.K.); (N.P.); (R.Z.)
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK—Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Konstantinos Mitsakakis
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (L.K.); (N.P.); (R.Z.)
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK—Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany;
- Correspondence: (B.J.); (K.M.); Tel.: +49-761-203-7252 (B.J.); +49-761-203-73252 (K.M.)
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Shi Y, Ye P, Yang K, Meng J, Guo J, Pan Z, Zhao W, Guo J. Application of centrifugal microfluidics in immunoassay, biochemical analysis and molecular diagnosis. Analyst 2021; 146:5800-5821. [PMID: 34570846 DOI: 10.1039/d1an00629k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Rapid diagnosis plays a vital role in daily life and is effective in reducing treatment costs and increasing curability, especially in remote areas with limited availability of resources. Among the various common methods of rapid diagnosis, centrifugal microfluidics has many unique advantages, such as less sample consumption, more precise valve control for sequential loading of samples, and accurately separated module design in a microfluidic network to minimize cross-contamination. Therefore, in recent years, centrifugal microfluidics has been extensively researched, and it has been found to play important roles in biology, chemistry, and medicine. Here, we review the latest developments in centrifugal microfluidic platforms in immunoassays, biochemical analyses, and molecular diagnosis, in recent years. In immunoassays, we focus on the application of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); in biochemical analysis, we introduce the application of plasma and blood cell separation; and in molecular diagnosis, we highlight the application of nucleic acid amplification tests. Additionally, we discuss the characteristics of the methods under each platform as well as the enhancement of the corresponding performance parameters, such as the limit of detection, separation efficiency, etc. Finally, we discuss the limitations associated with the existing applications and potential breakthroughs that can be achieved in this field in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxing Shi
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
| | - Peng Ye
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
| | - Kuojun Yang
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
| | - Jie Meng
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
| | - Jiuchuan Guo
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
| | - Zhixiang Pan
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
| | - Wenhao Zhao
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
| | - Jinhong Guo
- School of Information and Communication Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
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Shi Y, Ye P, Yang K, Meng J, Guo J, Pan Z, Bayin Q, Zhao W. Application of Microfluidics in Immunoassay: Recent Advancements. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2021; 2021:2959843. [PMID: 34326976 PMCID: PMC8302407 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2959843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, point-of-care testing has played an important role in immunoassay, biochemical analysis, and molecular diagnosis, especially in low-resource settings. Among various point-of-care-testing platforms, microfluidic chips have many outstanding advantages. Microfluidic chip applies the technology of miniaturizing conventional laboratory which enables the whole biochemical process including reagent loading, reaction, separation, and detection on the microchip. As a result, microfluidic platform has become a hotspot of research in the fields of food safety, health care, and environmental monitoring in the past few decades. Here, the state-of-the-art application of microfluidics in immunoassay in the past decade will be reviewed. According to different driving forces of fluid, microfluidic platform is divided into two parts: passive manipulation and active manipulation. In passive manipulation, we focus on the capillary-driven microfluidics, while in active manipulation, we introduce pressure microfluidics, centrifugal microfluidics, electric microfluidics, optofluidics, magnetic microfluidics, and digital microfluidics. Additionally, within the introduction of each platform, innovation of the methods used and their corresponding performance improvement will be discussed. Ultimately, the shortcomings of different platforms and approaches for improvement will be proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxing Shi
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Peng Ye
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Kuojun Yang
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Jie Meng
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Jiuchuan Guo
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Zhixiang Pan
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Qiaoge Bayin
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Wenhao Zhao
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
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