Development of a microfluidic device for detection of pathogens in oral samples using upconverting phosphor technology (UPT).
Confirmatory detection of diseases, such as HIV and HIV-associated pathogens in a rapid point-of-care (POC) diagnostic remains a goal for disease control, prevention, and therapy. If a sample could be analyzed onsite with a verified result, the individual could be counseled immediately and appropriate therapy initiated. Our group is focused on developing a microfluidic "lab-on-a-chip" that will simultaneously identify antigens, antibodies, RNA, and DNA using a single oral sample. The approach has been to design individual modules for each assay that uses similar components (e.g., valves, heaters, metering chambers, mixers) installed on a polycarbonate base with a common reporter system. Assay miniaturization reduces the overall analysis time, increases accuracy by simultaneously identifying multiple targets, and enhances detector sensitivity by upconverting phosphor technology (UPT). Our microfluidic approach employs four interrelated components: (1) sample acquisition-OraSure UPlink collectors that pick-up and release bacteria, soluble analytes, and viruses from an oral sample; (2) microfluidic processing-movement of microliter volumes of analyte, target analyte extraction and amplification; (3) detection of analytes using UPT particles in a lateral flow system; and (4) software for processing the results. Ultimately, the oral-based microscale diagnostic system will detect viruses and bacteria, associated pathogen antigens and nucleic acids, and antibodies to these pathogens.
Abrams
William R
WR
Department of Basic Sciences, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, New York 10010, USA. william.abrams@NYU.edu
Barber
Cheryl A
CA
McCann
Kurt
K
Tong
Gary
G
Chen
Zongyuan
Z
Mauk
Michael G
MG
Wang
Jing
J
Volkov
Alex
A
Bourdelle
Pete
P
Corstjens
Paul L A M
PL
Zuiderwijk
Michel
M
Kardos
Keith
K
Li
Shang
S
Tanke
Hans J
HJ
Sam Niedbala
R
R
Malamud
Daniel
D
Bau
Haim
H
D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D006801:Humans; D008163:Luminescent Measurements / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D044085:Microfluidics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000821:virology*