A Portable Field-Usable Multiplexed Device for Biomarker Detection in Body Fluids

Recent advances in genomics and proteomics have provided a number of promising biomarkers that could be used to indicate the onset of a disease, the progression of treatment, and exposure to biological and chemical agents. In Phase I, Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) developed a novel optical detection concept and constructed a benchtop prototype that can simultaneously detect multiple protein and DNA markers from serum samples. This approach does not require labels and has sensitivity equivalent to fluorescence-based detection (a labeled approach). We also developed a multilayered soft lithography-based microfluidic flow cell that allows the precise transfer of nanoliter volumes of samples to the sensor array. In Phase II, we propose to miniaturize the Phase I benchtop prototype to develop a handheld reader. The optics, microfluidics, and sensor chip will be integrated into a battery-operated, easy-to-use, DNA and protein biomarker detection unit for use by military personnel. The proposed device represents the utilization of advances in life sciences, microfabrication techniques, and consumer-electronics to provide an important tool for medical diagnostics and sensing applications. The integration of these state-of-the-art technologies will provide IOS with the ability to develop economically viable, field-usable, versatile diagnostic platforms for DNA and protein detection.