Automated Microfluidic Device for Analyte Detection

Brief Description

Conventional analytical techniques used for detecting specific analytes in a sample often fall short of performance needs for applications that demand high-throughput sample analysis or operate in resource poor settings.  These conventional techniques also often require labor-intensive, time consuming, multi-step procedures carried out by trained technicians and are impractical for use in a clinical setting.

UC Berkeley researchers developed an automated multi-dimensional microfluidic device which uses microfluidic technology to streamline all steps needed to obtain mobility and binding-based identity information in one continuous assay.  The assays complete in minutes, are readily adaptable to a broad range of multistage assays and are highly sensitive and specific.

Suggested uses

• Rapid and automated bioanalytical separation, identification and quantification 
• Multiplex analyte testing (proteins, nucleic acid sequences, biomacromolecules)
• Point of care diagnostics
• High throughput analysis
• Validation and research assays

Advantages

• Adaptable to detect a wide range of analytes
• Can be used as a rapid western blotting system (assay requires less than 5 minutes) provide large time savings over conventional methods
• Consumes less sample and primary binding member
• Does not require manual intervention and is less labor intensive
• One cohesive device optimized for separation, transfer, dilution and blotting steps
• Simultaneous multi-analyte detection
• Adaptable to many types of diagnostic sample types (e.g., serum, CSF, tissues, saliva, semen) 

Publications

Automated microfluidic protein immunoblotting

Patent Status