An Automated Blood-in, miRNAs-out Assay to Detect Circulating and Exosome miRNAs

Exosome and circulating miRNAs have emerged as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for various diseases and mental health conditions. However, detecting and quantifying miRNAs is challenging due to their small size and low abundance in complex biological samples, requiring laborious and tedious sample preparation steps. To address this, we propose optimizing and simplifying the sample processing steps specifically targeted for exosome and circulating miRNA detection. Our strategy involves leveraging lab-on-chip technology to develop an integrated device capable of handling sub-mL blood samples to achieve rapid, automated, and multiplexed quantification of exosome and circulating miRNAs.ĀOur method stands out for its streamlined workflow. We envision this technology to be deployed in clinical settings for monitoring patients with conditions like traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, or undergoing radiotherapy. Additionally, it can serve as a deployable tool in emergency scenarios, providing immediate feedback and guiding treatment decisions in cases of intense radiation exposure, whether on the battlefield or in civilian environments. Our proposed approach not only simplifies miRNA analysis but also holds potential for real-time diagnostics and personalized treatment guidance, enhancing patient care and clinical decision-making.