The continuous monitoring of the environment for lethal pathogens is a central task in the field of biothreat detection. Typical scenarios involve air-sampling in locations such as public transport systems or large public events and a subsequent analysis of the samples by a portable instrument. Lab-on-a-chip technologies are one of the promising technological candidates for such a system. We have developed an integrated microfluidic system with automatic sampling for the detection of CBRNE-related pathogens. The chip contains a two-pronged analysis strategy, on the one hand an immunological track using antibodies immobilized on a frit and a subsequent photometric detection, on the other hand a molecular biology approach using continuous-flow PCR with a fluorescence end-point detection. The cartridge contains two-component molded rotary valve to allow active fluid control and switching between channels. The accompanying instrument contains all elements for fluidic and valve actuation, thermal control, as well as the two detection modalities. Reagents are stored in dedicated reagent packs which are connected directly to the cartridge. With this system, we have been able to demonstrate the detection of a variety of pathogen species.

Date Published: 5 March 2015
PDF: 5 pages
Proc. SPIE 9320, Microfluidics, BioMEMS, and Medical Microsystems XIII, 93200X (5 March 2015); doi: 10.1117/12.2077191

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9320:
Microfluidics, BioMEMS, and Medical Microsystems XIII
Bonnie L. Gray; Holger Becker, Editor(s)