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

This proposal describes the development of a portable, handheld, battery-operable optical reader to simultaneously identify multiple DNA and protein biomarkers in biological fluids for field use. The proposed device will not require fluorescent or chemiluminescent or other labels. Instead, the proposed optical method will produce a new imaging ellipsometer to offer the high sensitivity and multiplex capability of a laboratory grade instrument in a portable, field-deployable device. The sensing chip consists of immobilized biomolecules (DNA, antibodies or other recognition elements) and is connected to the sample application region by microfluidics channels that transport the biomarker containing samples to the sensing area. In Phase I of this project we will construct the device and fabricate sensing chips for biomarker testing. A software program will be written to read the results from the measurements on the device. Methods to stabilize DNA and proteins on the sensor chips for extended field use will also be explored. The sensing chips will be tested and results will be validated to current standards. The results can be extended in Phase II and beyond for biomarkers of specific interest.