Digital image analysis for biothreat detection rapid centrifugal microfluidic orthogonal flow immunocapture.

We report clear proof-of-principle for centrifugally-driven, multiplexed, paper-based orthogonal flow sandwich-style immunocapture (cOFI) and colorimetric detection of Zaire Ebola virus-like particles. Capture antibodies are immobilized onto nanoporous nitrocellulose membranes that are then laminated into polymeric microfluidic discs to yield ready-to-use analytical devices. Fluid flow is controlled solely by rotational speed, obviating the need for complex pneumatic pumping systems, and providing more precise flow control than with the capillary-driven flow used in traditional lateral flow immunoassays (LFIs).

A novel method for inward fluid displacement in centrifugal microdevices for highly integrated nucleic acid processing with long-term reagent storage.

Rotationally-driven lab-on-a-disc (LoaD) microfluidic systems are among the most promising methods for realizing complex nucleic acid (NA) testing at the point-of-need (PoN). However, despite significant advancements in NA amplification methods, very few sample-to-answer centrifugal microfluidic platforms have been realized due, in part, to a lack of on-disc sample preparation. In many instances, NA extraction (NAE) and/or lysis must be performed off-disc using conventional laboratory equipment and methods, thus tethering the assay to centralized facilities.

Characterization of a Centrifugal Microfluidic Orthogonal Flow Platform.

To bring to bear the power of centrifugal microfluidics on vertical flow immunoassays, control of flow orthogonally through nanoporous membranes is essential. The on-disc approach described here leverages the rapid print-cut-laminate (PCL) disc fabrication and prototyping method to create a permanent seal between disc materials and embedded nanoporous membranes. Rotational forces drive fluid flow, replacing capillary action, and complex pneumatic pumping systems.

Cyclodextrin-Based Pseudorotaxanes: Easily Conjugatable Scaffolds for Synthesizing Hyperpolarized Xenon-129 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Agents.

Hyperpolarized (HP) xenon-129 (Xe) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has the potential to detect biological analytes with high sensitivity and high resolution when coupled with xenon-encapsulating molecular probes. Despite the development of numerous HP Xe probes, one of the challenges that has hampered the translation of these agents from in vitro demonstration to in vivo testing is the difficulty in synthesizing the Xe-encapsulating cage molecule. In this study, we demonstrate that a pseudorotaxane, based on a γ-cyclodextrin macrocycle, is easily synthesized in one step and is detectable using HyperCEST-enhanced Xe MR spectroscopy.