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Enables multi-sample testing and portability for clinical point-of-care applications
About
Sandia researchers have developed an automated and multilayered planar circuit board for microfluidic assays. The innovation uses the movement of magnetic beads to transport and process biological samples before measurement. This technology is the first known planar circuit board (PCB) with a long-range 2D transport system created by aligning three overlapping layers of magnetic coil and a programmable controller to direct the electromagnetic field. Compared to existing PCBs, the arrangement of the magnetic coil provides advantages such as reduced power needs for long-range transport of magnetic beads from the permanent magnet. The size and width of the multiplanar electromagnetic array can be modified as needed to fit into the internal microfluidic cassette. An easy-to-use programmable controller controls the movements of beads and liquid droplets, automating the sample process via the magnetic chip/beads within the microfluidic device. In addition to performing immunoassays, the device can be applied for other fit-for-purpose assays using customized magnetic beads and compatible microfluidic devices. The technology allows low detection limits and high sensitivity, rivaling plate-based assays. It also automates steps for a typical sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), minimizing manual intervention for analyzing biological samples.
Key Benefits
Improved time and energy efficiency, i.e. 8 samples in 45 minutes with <2.5W for bead movement High sensitivity and low sample detection limit Reduced signal-to-noise ratio ~10pg/mL sample depending on types and binding affinitiy of antibodies Can be selectively modified to fit into existing microfluidic platforms for DNA, RNA, or other bio-macromolecules
Applications
Biotechnology Pharmaceuticals Analytical instruments Point-of-care medical devices