Microfluidic Device Design for Point-of-Care Devices

Implementing liquid-based assays, such as PCR and LAMP, is difficult in POC microfluidic devices, due to bubble formation. To mitigate this, auxiliary metering systems or actuators are required to regulate consistent flow rates. This can make the microfluidic device more complicated to operate, increases cost, and limits rapid prototyping, ultimately hindering their usefulness in resource-limited environments. Further, the formation of bubbles prevents accurate quantitative measurements, such as for fluorescence-based assays.

 

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a novel microfluidic configuration designed for nucleic acid amplification, that integrates a unique same-depth inlet outlet (SDIO) reaction chamber to minimize bubble formation. Utilizing rapid fabrication methods including xurography, laser cutting, and lamination, it allows for low-cost prototyping. Material compatibility with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays is assessed, and effective decontamination techniques using ethanol rinses and ultraviolet-C light are implemented to reduce nuclease contamination. Validation using SARS-CoV-2 RT-LAMP assays demonstrate its suitability for early-stage diagnostics development in resource-limited environments.

 

This microfluidic device design can be used with liquid-based assays with minimal bubble formation, making it suitable in low-resource POC applications for both qualitative and quantitative measurements. 

 

Potential Applications

Benefits and Advantages

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