Microfluidic device for multiplex diagnostics / Microfluidic devices and methods

Brief Description

Researchers at UC Irvine have invented an antibody-based protein array analysis for quantitative detection of antigens and/or antibodies from crude protein preparations using precipitation or agglomeration dye for visual detection.

Full Description

Detection of antigens and/or antibodies are important for disease diagnostic applications. Current methods for protein detection are labor intensive, require isolated/purified compounds, and are mainly limited to fluorescence or chemiluminometric read out methods. Therefore, an alternative for improved quantitative analysis of antibodies is needed.

Researchers at UC Irvine have invented a microfluidic system for quantitative detection of antigens and/or antibodies from crude protein preparations using precipitating or agglomerating dye. This method involves depositing antigens non-covalently and non-specifically coupled to an optical contrast layer. The antigens are used to capture antibodies present in the serum sample, which does not need to be purified. Further incorporated in this invention are cavities that allow for air pockets, allows for acoustic air bubble resonance mixing of the fluid that is in contact with the optical contrast layer. Addition of the dye into the detection solution allows for formation of a visually detectable spot.

Figure 8 is a graph comparing binding sensitivity between the contemplated invented microfluidic device hybridization (bottom) and conventional hybridization (top). Primary vaccinia-immuno-globulin (VIG) antibody was used against the spotted vaccinia proteome.

Suggested uses

This invention can be used for assays and protein screening.

Advantages

The microfluidic approach offered by this invention eliminates the problem of diffusion-based antibody-antigen binding interactions, and offers shorter reaction times. Furthermore, this invention uses small sample volumes that do not need prior purification.

Patent Status