Microfluidic Biomarker Monitoring for Real-Time Multiplexed Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for continuous molecular monitoring in vivo are limited to a few analytes, lack specificity, detection sensitivity, and temporal resolution, and cannot perform multiplexed measurements of biomarkers, making personalized medicine challenging.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device that continuously flows biological fluid, administers capture and detection agents, mixes and depletes unbound components, and detects molecular complexes for real-time concentration measurement of multiple biomarkers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ELISA processes are used for biomarker measurement, then detection sensitivity can be achieved, but measurement time is excessively long (several hours of incubation)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/chemical incubation processes with microfluidic flow-based mixing and detection. The microfluidic device continuously flows biological fluid through channels where affinity agents and detection agents are introduced, eliminating the need for prolonged static incubation while maintaining detection sensitivity through enhanced mass transport and mixing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous flow of biological fluid through the microfluidic device, allowing continuous mixing with capture and detection agents. This continuous process replaces the batch-wise, discontinuous incubation steps of conventional ELISA, enabling real-time monitoring without time loss while maintaining measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If current in vivo monitoring tools are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but detection sensitivity and temporal resolution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal microfluidic platform that can detect multiple types of biomarkers (glucose, insulin, cytokines, proteins) using the same basic device architecture. The system uses interchangeable affinity agents and detection agents within a single microfluidic device, providing multi-analyte detection capability while maintaining ease of operation and high detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces microfluidic channels and flow control mechanisms as intermediaries between the biological fluid source and the detection system. These intermediaries enable precise control of reagent mixing, transport, and detection while maintaining overall system simplicity and achieving high temporal resolution for continuous monitoring.
3Device complexity
If single-analyte monitoring is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but versatility for personalized medicine is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into separate modular components: capture agents specific to different analytes, detection agents with various labeling schemes, and multiple detection channels. This segmentation allows the system to detect multiple analytes simultaneously while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure that can be configured for different monitoring needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables versatility by changing detection parameters such as affinity agent specificity, detection agent labeling (different fluorophores), and flow rates within the same microfluidic device. These parameter changes allow the system to adapt to different analytes and monitoring requirements without requiring completely different device designs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simultaneous, real-time monitoring of multiple biomarkers in whole blood with high sensitivity and specificity, facilitating personalized medicine and improved treatment decisions.
Implementation Method 1
mixing the biological fluid and the capture solution under conditions that allow the one or more molecules in the biological fluid to contact and bind the affinity agent to form a complex
Implementation Method 2
employs chaotic mixing and deterministic lateral displacement for rapid separation and detection
Implementation Method 3
employs chaotic mixing and deterministic lateral displacement for rapid separation and detection
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides materials and methods for the continuous measurement of biomolecules in vivo and in real-time. The present disclosure relates more specifically to using capture agents and detection agents within a microfluidic device to detect and quantify biochemical features of biomarkers, enabling real-time detection and concentration measurements.