Final Activity Report Summary - CARDICHIP (Development of a biochip to monitor cardiac wellness)
Today most microfluidic devices consist of fluidic networks of closed channels and reservoirs. The Amic microfluidic platform for immunoassays relies on open channels and capillary forces for fluid distribution. In an infection moulded plastic device called the 4castchip(R) an open channel containing a highly ordered array of micropillars drives the liquid flow by capillary action, eliminating the need for any external liquid handling system. The flow rate can be controlled by altering pillar separation and geometry or by modifying the wetting properties of the chip surface. In a typical assay the test liquid is added to the sample zone.
The micropillar array efficiently distributes the sample along the cdhannel to the detection zone, which contains immobilised capture antibodies. The analyte is captured and a fluorescence labelled detection antibody is flowed over the detection zone. The detection antibodies can either be predeposited in the channel and dissolved by the sample or added separately to the sample zone. Unbound detection antibody is washed away by the last part of the sample or by subsequent addition of a wash liquid. The last part of the channel, referred to as the wicking zone, also contains a micropillar array and is covered by a plastic film to avoid evaporation.
In this project, the technology was advanced by: 1) developing a new way to prepare a suitable chip surface; 2) developing a way to efficiently collect emitted light; 3) develop a multiplexed assay for C-Reactive Protein and NT-pro-BNP, important analytes for assessing cardiac health.
The micropillar array efficiently distributes the sample along the cdhannel to the detection zone, which contains immobilised capture antibodies. The analyte is captured and a fluorescence labelled detection antibody is flowed over the detection zone. The detection antibodies can either be predeposited in the channel and dissolved by the sample or added separately to the sample zone. Unbound detection antibody is washed away by the last part of the sample or by subsequent addition of a wash liquid. The last part of the channel, referred to as the wicking zone, also contains a micropillar array and is covered by a plastic film to avoid evaporation.
In this project, the technology was advanced by: 1) developing a new way to prepare a suitable chip surface; 2) developing a way to efficiently collect emitted light; 3) develop a multiplexed assay for C-Reactive Protein and NT-pro-BNP, important analytes for assessing cardiac health.