Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
  • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
  • G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
  • G01N33/50—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing
  • G01N33/53—Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor
  • G01N33/543—Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor with an insoluble carrier for immobilising immunochemicals
  • G01N33/54313—Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor with an insoluble carrier for immobilising immunochemicals the carrier being characterised by its particulate form
  • G01N33/54326—Magnetic particles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
  • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
  • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
  • B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
  • B01L3/502761—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip specially adapted for handling suspended solids or molecules independently from the bulk fluid flow, e.g. for trapping or sorting beads or physically stretching molecules
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
  • G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
  • G01N27/72—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables
  • G01N27/74—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables of fluids
  • G01N27/745—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables of fluids for detecting magnetic beads used in biochemical assays
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
  • B01L2300/0809—Geometry, shape and general structure rectangular shaped
  • B01L2300/0819—Microarrays; Biochips
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
  • B01L2300/0861—Configuration of multiple channels and/or chambers in a single devices
  • B01L2300/0864—Configuration of multiple channels and/or chambers in a single devices comprising only one inlet and multiple receiving wells, e.g. for separation, splitting
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
  • B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
  • B01L2400/0403—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces
  • B01L2400/043—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces magnetic forces
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02A50/00—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE in human health protection, e.g. against extreme weather
  • Y02A50/30—Against vector-borne diseases, e.g. mosquito-borne, fly-borne, tick-borne or waterborne diseases whose impact is exacerbated by climate change

Definitions

• the present invention relates to the field of immunoassay and micro fluidic devices and, in particular, to a point-of-care diagnostic method and device for the detection and quantification of magnetic-responsive micro-beads conjugated with proteins, cells and microbial agents dispersed in a liquid sample.
• All current immunoassay technologies involve the formation of an antigen- antibody complex.
• the detection of the complex indicates the presence of a targeted analyte in a sample.
• the antigen-antibody complex is detected by measuring the emission and/or reflection of light by the complex, when fluorescent-tagged antigen- specific antibodies are employed, or in the case in which antibody-coated micro-beads are used, by measuring the emission and/or reflection of light, or the magnetic moment of the micro-beads forming the antigen-bead complex.
• optical or magnetic detectors and electronic readers are required.
• the simplest, best known and widely used POC diagnostic assay is the lateral flow assay, also known as the immunochromatic test.
• the targeted analyte is bound to an analyte-specific antibody linked to latex or gold nanoparticles.
• the presence of the analyte in the sample then is revealed by the formation of a visible band, or line, which results from the agglutination or accumulation of the analyte- antibody- linked complex.
• the band typically is visible macro scopically to the naked eye.
• Devices to increase the assay's sensitivity have been developed which can read color changes with microscopic sensitivity. Fluorescent or magnetic-labeled particles also have been used. In these cases, however, electronic readers to assess test results are needed.
• sensitivity of the assay may increase, the cost and complexity of the assay also increases.
• micro-beads have been increasingly used for the separation and detection of proteins.
• concentration of micro-beads is a proxy for the concentration of targeted proteins in a sample.
• the micro-beads may be made magnetically responsive by adding a magnetic core or layer to a polymer bead.
• the micro-beads then may be coated with a variety of molecules and proteins, referred to as ligands, which serve the purpose of binding the targeted antigen via an antibody- antigen interaction.
• fluorescent dyes can be incorporated into the micro-beads making them optically detectable.
• micro-bead technology has matured in the last decade, the technology to quantify micro-bead concentration has lagged behind.
• Current methods include manual microscopes and automatic or semi-automatic cell counters.
• micro-bead counting using a microscope involves the manual, and often tedious, counting of beads through a microscope objective. This method requires skilled technicians in a laboratory setting, is time consuming and is subject to a technician's interpretation.
• Cell counters require photo sensors to detect micro-beads automatically by measuring the light reflection of a laser beam hitting the micro-bead's surface.
• Cell counters while accurate, are expensive and also require skilled technicians in sophisticated laboratory settings. Lab-on-a-chip devices to detect and measure the concentration of protein- coated micro-bead concentration also have been developed.
• the pScreenTM micro fluidic immunoassay device fulfills all of the above-described needs in a single device.
• the detection and quantification of an unknown concentration of analyte in a liquid sample is obtained by exploiting the fluid-dynamic properties of magnetic-responsive micro-beads in liquid solution rather than using optical effects or magnetic field sensing as in current technologies.
• the unknown concentration of the target analyte is derived by measuring the differential flow rate between the sample flow in two micro-channels, one of which is under the influence of an applied magnetic field gradient.
• the present invention significantly reduces the cost and complexity of current laboratory-based immunoassay diagnostic tests, and greatly increases one- thousand fold the sensitivity of lateral flow tests, while maintaining the specificity and accuracy of laboratory-based tests, and the ability to detect targeted antigen concentration over a predefined range.
• a method of detecting and quantifying the concentration of magnetic-responsive micro-beads in a fluid comprises measuring flow rate (Qm) of a fluid in at least one test micro-channel (Cm) exposed to a magnetic field gradient with flow rate (Qo) of the fluid in a calibration micro-channel (Co) not exposed to a magnetic field gradient, in which the micro-channels are kept at an equal and constant pressure, and then calculating the ratio Qm/Qo, the difference Qo-Qm, and the ratio (Qo-Qm) p /(Qm) q ' , wherein p and q are derived through a calibration process, and wherein the ratios Qm/Qo and (Qo-Qmf /(Qm are a proxy for the number of magnetic-responsive micro- beads in the fluid.
• the presence of magnetic-responsive micro-beads in the at least one test micro-channel which is exposed to the magnetic field gradient causes flocculation of the magnetic-responsive micro-beads in the fluid which reduces the flow rate of the fluid through the at least one test micro-channel.
• a method for detecting and quantifying concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample comprises adding a liquid sample to a liquid sample inlet of a reaction chamber.
• the reaction chamber has adsorbed on its surface a plurality of immobilized antigen- specific antibodies (Abl) specific to an analyte.
• the surface of the reaction chamber also has a plurality of magnetic-responsive micro-beads desiccated thereon, in which each of the plurality of magnetic-responsive micro-beads is coated with an antigen- specific antibody (Ab2) specific to the analyte.
• the method comprises having the liquid sample incubate within the reaction chamber, which causes rehydration of the plurality of antibody- coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads as the liquid sample is added and agitated in the reaction chamber, which rehydration disperses the antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro- beads in the liquid sample, binding the rehydrated antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro- beads as well as the antigen- specific antibodies immobilized on the surface of the reaction chamber to any analyte present in the liquid sample to form Abl -analyte- Ab2-coated magnetic micro-bead complexes on the surface of the reaction chamber, having the liquid sample containing any unbound antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads exit the reaction chamber through a chamber outlet and transfer through a continuous fluid connection to a micro- channel splitter which bifurcates to form a calibration micro-channel (Co) and at least one test micro-channel (Cm).
• Co calibration micro-channel
• Cm test micro-channel
• the at least one test micro-channel and the calibration micro-channel are kept at an equal and constant pressure.
• the calibration micro-channel is in continuous fluid connection with a graduated column, and the at least one test micro-channel is in continuous fluid connection with at least one graduated column.
• Each of the graduated columns has a graduated scale thereon.
• the method comprises measuring flow rate (Qm) of the liquid sample in the at least one test micro-channel exposed to a magnetic field gradient with flow rate (Qo) of the fluid in the calibration micro-channel not exposed to a magnetic field gradient, in which the presence of any unbound antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads in the at least one test micro-channel which is exposed to the magnetic field gradient causes flocculation of the antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads in the liquid sample which reduces the flow rate of the liquid sample through the at least one test micro-channel, then calculating the ratio Qm/Qo, the difference Qo-Qm, and the ratio (Qo-Qmf /(Qmf , wherein p and q are derived through a calibration process, and wherein the ratios Qm/Qo and (Qo-Qmf /(Qm) q are a proxy for the number of magnetic-responsive micro-beads in the liquid sample, which is a proxy for the concentration of analyte in
• a single use, portable, lab-on-card microfluidic pScreenTM magnetic-responsive micro-bead concentration counter device for detecting and quantifying the concentration of magnetic-responsive micro- beads in a liquid sample.
• the microfluidic device is comprised of a liquid sample inlet defined by an opening for accepting a liquid sample that contains a quantity of magnetic-responsive micro-beads.
• the liquid sample inlet is in continuous fluid connection with a flow resistor, which is in continuous fluid connection with a micro-channel splitter which bifurcates to form a calibration micro-channel (Co) and at least one test micro-channel (Cm).
• the calibration micro- channel and the at least one test micro-channel are kept at an equal and constant pressure.
• the calibration micro-channel is in continuous fluid connection with a graduated column, and the at least one test micro-channel is in continuous fluid connection with at least one graduated column.
• the at least one test micro-channel is exposed to a magnetic field gradient, which causes flocculation of the magnetic-responsive micro-beads in the at least one test micro- channel.
• the flocculation reduces the flow rate (Qm) of the liquid sample in the at least one test micro-channel compared to the flow rate (Qo) of the liquid sample in the calibration micro- channel.
• Each of the graduated columns has a graduated scale thereon which provides a read-out of the total volume of the liquid sample collected in each of the graduated columns, in which the total volume of the liquid sample collected in the at least one test micro-channel graduated column indicates the concentration of magnetic-responsive micro-beads in the liquid sample.
• the microfluidic pScreenTM immunoassay device comprises a liquid sample inlet defined by an opening for accepting the liquid sample.
• the liquid sample inlet is in continuous fluid connection with a flow resistor channel, which is in continuous fluid connection with an assay inlet of a reaction chamber.
• the reaction chamber has adsorbed on its surface a plurality of immobilized antigen- specific antibodies (Abl) specific to an analyte, as well as having a plurality of magnetic-responsive micro-beads desiccated thereon.
• Each of the plurality of magnetic-responsive micro-beads is coated with an antigen- specific antibody (Ab2) specific to the analyte.
• Flow of the liquid sample through the reaction chamber rehydrates the plurality of antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads which disperses into the liquid sample. Any analyte present in the liquid sample binds to the dispersed antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads as well as to the antigen- specific antibodies immobilized on the surface of the reaction chamber to form Abl -analyte- Ab2-coated magnetic-responsive micro-bead complexes.
• any unbound antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads exit the reaction chamber through an assay outlet, which is in continuous fluid connection with a micro-channel splitter that bifurcates to form a calibration micro-channel (Co) and at least one test micro-channel (Cm), which are kept at an equal and constant pressure.
• the calibration micro-channel is in continuous fluid connection with a graduated column, and the at least one test micro-channel in continuous fluid connection with at least one graduated column.
• the at least one test micro-channel is exposed to a magnetic field gradient, which causes flocculation of the magnetic-responsive micro-beads in the at least one test micro-channel.
• the flocculation reduces the flow rate (Qm) of the liquid sample in the at least one test micro-channel compared to the flow rate (Qo) of the liquid sample in the calibration micro-channel.
• Each of the graduated columns has a graduated scale thereon which provides a read-out of the total sample volume collected in each of the graduated columns, in which the total sample volume collected in the at least one test micro- channel graduated column indicates the concentration of analyte in the liquid sample.
• the ratios QmlQo and (Qo-Qmf/(Qm) q are a proxy for the number of magnetic-responsive micro-beads in a liquid sample, which is a proxy for the concentration of analyte in the liquid sample.
• the devices may be fabricated by methods which include, without limitation, etching each of the micro-channels on a plastic substrate using a laser etcher system and then sealing the top of each of the micro-channels in plastic by thermal bonding, and by injection mold casting in plastic.
• Suitable plastic substrates, plastic sealing and injection mold casting plastics include, without limitation, poly(ethylene terephthalate) glycol, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and poly(methyl methacrylate), respectively.
• Liquid samples that can be assayed in accordance with the embodiments of the invention include, without limitation, water, plasma, serum, buffer solution, urine, whole blood, blood analogs, and liquid solutions from dilution of solid biological matter or other biological fluids.
• Analytes that can be detected and quantified in accordance with the embodiments of the invention include, without limitation, proteins, protein fragments, antigens, antibodies, antibody fragments, peptides, RNA, RNA fragments, functionalized magnetic micro-beads specific to CD 4+ , CD 8+ cells, malaria- infected red blood cells, cancer cells, cancer biomarkers such as prostate specific antigen and other cancer biomarkers, viruses, bacteria such as E. coli or other pathogenic agents.
• the magnetic field gradient in accordance with the invention is generated from two magnets aligned lengthwise with the at least one test micro-channel and along opposite poles to expose the at least one test micro-channel to the magnetic field gradient.
• the at least one test micro-channel is located between a gap formed between the opposite poles of the magnets.
• the magnetic field gradient is generated by one magnet and a magnetic- responsive structure positioned near the at least one test micro-channel.
• the magnetic field generated can range between about 0.05 Tesla (T) to about 0.5 T, and the magnetic field gradient that is generated can be about lOT/m or greater.
• the total sample volume collected in the calibration micro-channel graduated column serves as a control for parameters such as variation in viscosity between samples, level of hematocrit in blood samples, temperature and humidity fluctuations and sample volumes.
• the micro-channel splitter of the micro fluidic devices bifurcates to form one test micro-channel and one calibration micro-channel.
• the micro-channel splitter of the microfluidic device bifurcates to form three test micro-channels and one calibration micro-channel, in which each of the three test micro-channels is in continuous fluid connection with one graduated column.
• the micro-channel splitter of the microfluidic device bifurcates to form four test micro-channels and one calibration micro-channel, in which the four test micro-channels merge to be in continuous fluid connection with one graduated column.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the method for determining the number of magnetic-responsive micro-beads in a fluid, in which the ratio between the flow rate in the calibration micro-channel (Co) and the test micro-channel (Cm) is measured, according to the embodiments of the invention;
• FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the microfluidic pScreenTM magnetic-responsive micro-bead concentration counter device, having one test micro-channel and one calibration micro-channel, according to the embodiments of the invention;
• FIG. 3 is an artistic rendering of the microfluidic pScreenTM immunoassay device, according to the embodiments of the invention;
• FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the microfluidic pScreenTM magnetic-responsive micro-bead concentration counter device, having three test micro-channels and one calibration micro-channel, according to the embodiments of the invention
• FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the microfluidic pScreenTM magnetic-responsive micro-bead concentration counter device, having four test micro-channels and one calibration micro-channel, according to the embodiments of the invention
• FIG. 6 is the schematic illustration of the method for determining the concentration of analyte in a fluid, in which the sample analyte is bound to immobilized analyte- specific immobilized antibodies and to analyte- specific coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads, the ratio Q m /Q o , of the flow rate Q 0 in the calibration micro-channel, Co, and the flow rate, Q m , in the test micro-channel, Cm, is measured, according to the embodiments of the invention.
• FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of the pScreenTM immunoassay device, according to the embodiments of the invention.
• FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of three different views of a reaction chamber of the pScreenTM immunoassay device, in which (A) shows the secondary antibody (Ab2)-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads and primary antibody (Abl)-capturing antibodies on the surface of the reaction chamber; (B) shows the Abl -antigen- Ab2-magnetic-responsive micro- bead complexes immobilized on the surface of the chamber; and (C) shows unbound, i.e., free, Ab2-magnetic-responsive micro-beads reaching the assay outlet of the reaction chamber, according to the embodiments of the invention;
• A shows the secondary antibody (Ab2)-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads and primary antibody (Abl)-capturing antibodies on the surface of the reaction chamber
• B shows the Abl -antigen- Ab2-magnetic-responsive micro- bead complexes immobilized on the surface of the chamber
• C shows unbound, i.e., free, Ab2-magnetic-
• FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration which shows the formation of the Abl- antigen- Ab2- magnetic-responsive micro-bead complexes as the sample with the antigen flows through the reaction chamber and rehydrates the magnetic-responsive micro-beads, according to the embodiments of the invention;
• FIG. 10 is an artistic rendering of the pScreenTM immunoassay device, according to the embodiments of the invention.
• FIG. 11 is a graph showing reduction in fluid flow rate , i.e., the ratio between flow rate in the test (with magnetic field) and calibration (without magnetic field) micro-channels versus the number of magnetic-responsive micro-beads in the flocculation region;
• FIG. 12 is a photomicrograph showing magnetically-induced flocculation of magnetic- responsive micro-beads at a concentration of about 2,000 micro -beads/ ⁇ in a test micro-channel, according to the embodiments of the invention; the inset shows the variation in flocculation at 300 seconds, 600 seconds and 800 seconds;
• FIG. 13 is a graph showing the concentration of magnetic-responsive micro-beads in a solution obtained using the pScreenTM device versus the nominal concentration as tested by standard hemocytometry;
• FIG. 14 is a graph showing the concentration of immunoglobulin (IgG) in a solution obtained using the pScreenTM immunoassay.
• magnetic-responsive micro-beads As used herein, the terms “magnetic-responsive micro-beads,” “magnetic micro-beads” and “micro -beads” are meant to be interchangeable.
• the present invention provides a flow rate-based method for detecting and quantifying the concentration, i.e., number, of magnetic-responsive micro-beads in a fluid.
• Nm is the total number of magnetic-responsive micro-beads transported by the fluid into the localized high-magnetic field region. Both micro-channels are held at an equal and constant pressure.
• a fluid 12 seeded with magnetic-responsive micro-beads 15 flows into two micro-channel inlets 14, 14' and out of two micro-channel outlets 16, 16'.
• the test micro-channel 22 on the right is exposed to a high-gradient magnetic field generated by two magnets 24, 24'.
• the magnets are positioned as shown in FIG. 1 and in the inset.
• the magnetic field gradient is generated by one magnet and a magnetic-responsive structure (not shown) positioned near the test micro-channel 22.
• a magnetic-responsive structure may be made of a metallic material with ferromagnetic, super-paramagnetic or paramagnetic properties, such that upon application of an external magnetic field the magnetic- responsive structure generates an induced magnetic field.
• the structure is geometrically shaped, e.g., cylindrically- shaped, in order to generate a magnetic field gradient in the region occupied by the test micro-channel. Equation 1 applies to a wide range of magnetic-responsive micro- bead concentrations, ranging from about 50 micro-beads/ ⁇ to about 2 x 10 6 micro-beads/ ⁇ .
• the upper and lower limits are a function of the micro-channels' size and magnetic field topology. Hence, both upper and lower limits may vary based on these parameters.
• the number of magnetic-responsive micro-beads in a given fluid is a monotonic function of the ratio Qm/Qo.
• the number of magnetic-responsive micro-beads can be determined by measuring the ratio Qm/Qo in the two micro- channels, configured as shown in FIG. 1.
• the ratio Qm/Qo is a specific proxy for the number of magnetic-responsive micro-beads in a given fluid.
• the analytical form of the function depends on the geometry, i.e., length and inner diameter of the two micro-channels, magnetic field topology, and the size of the magnetic- responsive micro-beads.
• the difference Q 0 -Q m , and the ratio (Q 0 -Qmf/(Qm) q , where p and q are derived through a calibration process, are a proxy for the number of magnetic- responsive micro-beads in the fluid.
• the parameters p and q are obtained as followed.
• a solution containing a known concentration of micro-beads and of known volume is passed through the micro-channels and the flow rate Qm and Qo are measured.
• the present invention further provides a microfluidic pScreenTM magnetic-responsive micro-bead concentration counter device for detecting and quantifying magnetic-responsive micro-bead concentration in a liquid sample. This device leverages the previously described flow rate-based detection and quantification method.
• FIGS. 2 and 3 show the pScreenTM microfluidic device 5 for the detection and quantification of magnetic-responsive magnetic beads in a liquid sample of the present invention.
• the microfluidic device 5 comprises a liquid sample inlet 8 in which a liquid sample, or specimen, which contains an unknown amount of magnetic-responsive micro-beads, is applied. From the liquid sample inlet 8, the liquid sample, self-propelled by capillary action, flows through a flow resistor 32 (shown in FIG. 3) and enters a micro-channel splitter 18.
• the micro- channel splitter 18 bifurcates into two smaller micro-channels: a calibration micro-channel 20 and a test micro-channel 22.
• the two micro-channels 20, 22 are identical in length and inner diameter (best shown in FIG. 2).
• the concentration of magnetic-responsive micro-beads that can be detected and quantified using the methods and devices of the invention is about 50 micro -beads/ ⁇ to about 2 x 10 6 micro-beads/ ⁇ ; and the diameter of the magnetic-responsive micro-beads is about 0.2 ⁇ to about 20 ⁇ . In an embodiment, the diameter of the magnetic micro-beads is about 4.0 ⁇ .
• the test micro-channel and the calibration micro- channel are made of a capillary tube, in which the length of the capillary tube is about 0.2 cm to about 20 cm. In an embodiment, the length of the capillary tube is about 3.0 cm to about 7.5 cm. In another embodiment, the length of the capillary tube is about 1.5 cm.
• the length of the calibration micro-channel 20 and the test micro- channel 22 is about 0.2 cm to about 20 cm. In another embodiment, the length of the two micro- channels 20, 22 is about 3.0 cm to about 7.5 cm. In still another embodiment, the length of the two micro-channels 20, 22 is about 1.5 cm.
• the inner diameter of the calibration micro-channel 20 and the test micro-channel 22 is about 50 ⁇ to about 500 ⁇ . In another embodiment, the inner diameter of the two micro-channels 20, 22 is about 50 ⁇ .
• a magnetic field gradient is applied only to the test micro-channel 22.
• the magnetic field gradient is generated by small rare-earth (e.g., neodymium) permanent magnet and ferromagnetic (e.g., nickel, iron) pole structures (not shown) which serve as a magnetic concentrator 54 (shown in FIG. 3) specifically designed to concentrate the magnetic field, hence creating a high magnetic field gradient (of about 100 T/m).
• small rare-earth e.g., neodymium
• ferromagnetic pole structures not shown
• the liquid sample flows freely at a very low velocity (Reynolds number around 1) and shear rate range (1 to 400s "1 ).
• the magnetic field gradient induces micro-bead flocculation if magnetic-responsive micro-beads are present in the sample.
• test micro-channel 22 Even in very small concentrations, as low as ⁇ 50 micro-beads/ ⁇ , the flow rate through the test micro-channel 22 will be reduced due to the formation of the magnetically-induced micro-bead flocculation.
• a volume of liquid sample is collected in two graduated columns 26, 26', both of equal size and volume.
• Each graduated column 26, 26' has a graduated scale thereon 30 which provides an easy to interpret read-out system of the total sample volume collected in each graduated column 26, 26'.
• the graduated columns' 26, 26' length and cross section, as well as the respective scales 30 thereon, are designed to be visible to the naked eye.
• the read-out system of the microfluidic device of the present invention does not require electrical transducers and/or sensors.
• both graduated columns 26, 26' are clearly visible.
• the microfluidic device 5 may be configured in a cartridge 58 which fits into a holder 56. The read-out obtained by the microfluidic device 5 can be determined at any time by direct comparison of the fluid in the two graduated columns 26, 26'.
• the micro-channel configuration provides for the concentration of micro-beads to be a monotonic function only of the volumes Vo and Vm (Vo and Vm are the volumes collected at the micro-channel outlets 16, 16' of the calibration micro- channel 20 (Co) and test micro-channel 22 (Cm), respectively; shown in FIG. 1).
• This approach allows the user to read out the result provided by the pScreenTM microfluidic device of the present invention at any time while the assay is running or at any time after the assay has been completed.
• Equation (3) Equation (4)
• p is the magnetic-responsive micro-bead concentration in the sample specimen 12
• Qo and Qm are the flow rates in the calibration and test micro-channels 20, 22, respectively
• No and Nm is the number of magnetic-responsive micro-beads passing through the calibration and test micro-channels 20, 22, respectively.
• the pScreen microfluidic device of the present invention provides a comparative read-out system in which the magnetic-responsive micro-bead concentration, p, is a monotonic function of only Vm, the volume flowing through the test micro-channel 22 where the magnetic- induced flocculation forms and Vo, the volume flowing through the calibration micro- channel 20 without the magnetic- induced flocculation.
• the comparative read-out system of the pScreenTM microfluidic device of the present invention greatly simplifies the detection and quantification of magnetic-responsive micro-bead concentration in a liquid sample.
• this comparative read-out system has the significant advantage of virtually eliminating common-mode error (with the calibration graduated column 26 acting as a control), such as variation in viscosity between samples, level of hematocrit in blood samples, temperature and humidity fluctuation of the test environment, and sample volume.
• the pScreenTM microfluidic device of the present invention thus provides a stand-alone device for the detection and quantification of magnetic-responsive micro-bead concentration in liquid samples over a wide range of concentrations and micro-bead sizes.
• FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of the microfluidic device 5 of the invention.
• the test micro-channel (Cm) is split into three test micro-channels 22, 22' which 22" run parallel to one other.
• the three test micro-channels 22, 22' and 22" are of the same length but have a different inner diameter from one another.
• Each test micro-channel 22, 22', 22" is connected to a separate graduated column 26.
• the first test micro- channel 22 has an inner diameter of about 50 ⁇ to about 500 ⁇
• the second test micro-channel 22' has an inner diameter of about 100 ⁇ to about 250 ⁇
• the third test micro-channel 22" has an inner diameter of about 250 ⁇ to about 5 mm.
• the first test micro-channel 22 has an inner diameter of about 50 ⁇
• the second test micro-channel 22' has an inner diameter of about 100 ⁇
• the third test micro-channel 22" has an inner diameter of about 250 ⁇ .
• the inner diameter of the calibration micro-channel 20 is such that the area of the cross-section of the calibration micro-channel 20 is identical to the sum of the areas of the cross- sections of the three test micro-channels 22, 22', 22".
• the third, largest test micro-channel 22" experiences the lowest reduction in flow rate
• the second, middle-sized test micro-channel 22' experiences a reduction in flow rate greater than in the third, largest test micro-channel 22
• the first, smallest test micro-channel 22 experiences the greatest reduction in flow rate.
• the first, smallest test micro-channel 22 will tend to clog before the second, middle-sized test micro-channel 22' and the third, largest test micro-channel 22
• the middle-sized test micro-channel 22' will tend to clog before the largest test micro-channel 22".
• the device in accordance with this embodiment allows measurement of a wide range of concentrations of magnetic-responsive micro-beads, in which the first, smallest test micro-channel 22 allows for finely-tuned measurements of magnetic-responsive micro-beads at low concentrations and the third, largest test micro-channel 22" allows for gross measurements of magnetic-responsive micro-beads at high concentrations.
• FIG. 5 shows an additional alternate embodiment of the invention.
• the test micro-channel 22 (Cm) is split into four micro-channels which run parallel to each other.
• the four test micro-channels 22 have the same length and inner diameter.
• each of the four test micro-channels has an inner diameter of about 12.5 ⁇ to about 125 ⁇ .
• each of the four test micro-channels has an inner diameter of about 12.5 ⁇ .
• the inner diameter of the calibration micro-channel 20 is such that the area of the cross- section of the calibration micro-channel 20 is identical to the sum of the areas of the cross- sections of the four test micro-channels 22, 22', 22".
• the present invention also provides a flow rate-based method for detecting and quantifying concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample.
• the analyte can include, without limitation, proteins, protein fragments, antigens, antibodies, antibody fragments, peptides, RNA, RNA fragments, cells, cancer cells, viruses, and other pathogenic agents.
• the method according to this embodiment comprises adding a liquid sample to a liquid sample inlet of a reaction chamber.
• the reaction chamber has adsorbed on its surface a plurality of immobilized antigen- specific antibodies (Abl) specific to an analyte.
• the surface of the reaction chamber also has a plurality of magnetic-responsive micro-beads desiccated thereon, in which each of the plurality of magnetic-responsive micro-beads is coated with an antigen-specific antibody (Ab2) specific to the analyte.
• the method comprises having the liquid sample incubate inside the reaction chamber, which causes rehydration of the plurality of antibody- coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads as the liquid sample is added and agitated in the reaction chamber, which rehydration disperses the antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro- beads in the liquid sample, binding the rehydrated antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro- beads as well as the antigen- specific antibodies immobilized on the surface of the reaction chamber to any analyte present in the liquid sample to form Abl-analyte-Ab2-coated magnetic micro-bead complexes on the surface of the reaction chamber, having the liquid sample containing any unbound antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads exit the reaction chamber through a chamber outlet and transfer through a continuous fluid connection to a micro- channel splitter which bifurcates to form a calibration micro-channel (Co) and at least one test micro-channel (Cm).
• Co calibration micro-channel
• Cm test micro-channel
• the at least one test micro-channel and the calibration micro-channel are kept at an equal and constant pressure.
• the calibration micro-channel is in continuous fluid connection with a graduated column, and the at least one test micro-channel is in continuous fluid connection with at least one graduated column.
• Each of the graduated columns has a graduated scale thereon.
• the method comprises measuring flow rate (Qm) of the liquid sample in the at least one test micro-channel exposed to a magnetic field gradient with flow rate (Qo) of the fluid in the calibration micro-channel not exposed to a magnetic field gradient, in which the presence of any unbound antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads in the at least one test micro-channel which is exposed to the magnetic field gradient causes flocculation of the antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads in the liquid sample which reduces the flow rate of the liquid sample through the at least one test micro-channel, and calculating the ratio Qm/Qo, the difference Qo-Qm, and the ratio (Qo-Qnif V(Qm) q ' , wherein p and q are derived through a calibration process, and wherein the ratios Qm/Qo and (Qo-Qnif /(Qnif are a proxy for the number of magnetic-responsive micro-beads in the liquid sample, which is a proxy for the concentration of analyte
• a liquid sample 12 is added, Step 1, to a reaction chamber 34, which has adsorbed on its surface a plurality of immobilized antigen- specific antibodies (Abl) (not shown) and contains a plurality of magnetic-responsive micro-beads coated with antigen- specific antibodies (Ab2) 15 desiccated on the surface of the reaction chamber 34.
• Absl immobilized antigen- specific antibodies
• Ab2 antigen-specific antibodies
• Step 1 by adding the liquid sample to the reaction chamber 34, the antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads 15 are rehydrated and the magnetic-responsive micro-beads 15, as well as the antigen- specific antibodies immobilized on the surface of the reaction chamber 34, bind to any analyte present in the liquid sample 12 to form Abl-analyte-Ab2-coated magnetic-responsive micro-bead complexes on the surface of the reaction chamber 34, with any unbound magnetic- responsive micro-beads 15 free to flow (Step 2) into two micro-channel inlets 14, 14' and out of two micro-channel outlets 16, 16'.
• the test micro-channel 22 on the right is exposed to a high- gradient magnetic field generated by two magnets 24.
• the number of magnetic-responsive micro-beads in a liquid sample passing through two micro- channels, a test micro-channel (Co) and a calibration, or control micro-channel (Cm), is proportional to the ratio, QJQo, between the flow rate (Qm) in a micro-channel (Cm) exposed to a localized high-gradient magnetic field, and the unperturbed flow rate (Qo) in a micro-channel (Co) not exposed to the localized high-gradient magnetic field. Therefore, by measuring the flow rates Qm and Qo, the concentration of analyte in the liquid sample can be determined.
• the method applies to a wide range of antigen concentration, from about 0.01 ng/ml to about 1 ⁇ g/ml.
• the present invention further provides a pScreenTM microfluidic immunoassay device for the detection and quantification of proteins, protein fragments, antigens, antibodies, antibody fragments, RNA, RNA fragments, cells, cancer cells, viruses, and other pathogenic agents.
• This device leverages the previously described method for detecting and quantifying concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample. Principle of Operation
• the pScreenTM microfluidic immunoassay device 10 has a liquid sample inlet 8, a flow resistor channel 32, a reaction chamber 34, a micro-channel splitter 18, a test micro-channel 22, a calibration micro-channel 20 and graduated readout columns 26, 26'.
• a liquid sample, or specimen which may contain an unknown amount of a target analyte, is applied into the liquid sample inlet 8.
• the sample is self-propelled and transferred from the liquid sample inlet 8 into the reaction chamber 34 via the flow resistor channel 32.
• the flow rate of the liquid sample is determined by the cross-section and length of the flow resistor channel 32 and the surface tension of the device material and sample liquid, as well as by the binding kinetic reaction between the analyte, i.e., antigen, and antibody in the reaction chamber 34.
• the reaction chamber 34 is coated with antigen- specific antibodies (Abl) 46 immobilized onto the surface of the reaction chamber 34.
• the antigen- specific antibodies (Abl) 46 referred to as capturing antibodies, may be primary or secondary antibodies.
• the antigen- specific antibodies (Abl) 46 are bound to the surface of the reaction chamber 34 via adsorption.
• the surface of the reaction chamber 34 also is coated with magnetic- responsive micro-beads 50 by desiccation.
• the magnetic-responsive micro-beads may be desiccated on the same region of the device where Abl antibodies 46 are bound, or in a region preceding where the Abl antibodies 46 are bound.
• the magnetic-responsive micro-beads are coated with antigen- specific antibodies (Ab2) to form antigen- specific antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads 50.
• antigen- specific antibodies (Ab2) may be primary or secondary antibodies.
• the antigen- specific antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads 50 are rehydrated and dispersed in the liquid, and any antigen molecules 48 contained in the sample bind to the antigen- specific antibodies (Abl) 46 immobilized on the surface of the reaction chamber, and to the antigen- specific antibodies (Ab2) coating the magnetic beads, forming Abl- antigen-Ab2-coated magnetic-responsive micro-bead complexes 52 (FIG. 8B).
• Abl-antigen-Ab2-coated magnetic-responsive micro-bead complexes 52 anchors the bound antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads 50 onto the surface of the reaction chamber 34.
• any unbound, i.e., free, antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads 50 exit the reaction chamber via an assay outlet 38 (FIG. 8C), leaving behind the bound antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads 50 in the reaction chamber 34.
• FIG. 8C assay outlet 38
• a negative liquid sample i.e., a sample not containing detectable traces of the targeted analyte
• An analyte (i.e.,antigen)-positive sample results in antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads anchored to the reaction chamber's surface via the Abl-antigen-Ab2-coated magnetic micro-bead complexes.
• the higher the concentration of analyte in the liquid sample the greater the number of magnetic-responsive micro-beads anchored to the reaction chamber' s surface, and hence the fewer the number of free magnetic-responsive micro-beads reaching the reaction chamber assay outlet.
• all antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads will be anchored to the reaction chamber's surface, and none will exit through the reaction chamber's assay outlet.
• the liquid sample After flowing through the reaction chamber, the liquid sample, self-propelled by capillary action, reaches the pScreenTM magnetic bead concentration counter portion of the device (which principle of operation has been described previously). If the liquid sample flowing into the test micro-channel and the calibration micro-channel contains no magnetic- responsive micro-beads, the flow rate in both the test and calibration micro-channels will be identical, and thus the sample volume collected in each of the graduated columns will be identical. The user easily is able to observe that the volume of sample in each of the graduated columns is of equal length.
• the length of the volume of liquid in the test graduated column will be less than the length of the volume of liquid in the calibration graduated column by an amount proportional to the magnetic-responsive micro-bead concentration in the volume of liquid flowing into the graduated columns.
• the higher the magnetic-responsive micro-bead concentration in the liquid reaching the test and calibration micro- channels the greater the difference in the lengths of the volume of liquid observed in the two graduated columns. The resulting difference between the volumes of liquid collected in the two graduated columns is easily visible to the naked eye.
• test micro-channel (Cm) is split into three test micro- channels 22, 22' and 22" which run parallel to each other.
• the test micro-channel (Cm) is split into four micro-channels 22 which run parallel to each other.
• FIG. 10 shows the pScreenTM microfluidic immunoassay device 10, according to the embodiments of the invention, in which the calibration column is only partially visible.
• the read-out is taken when the portion of the calibration column that is visible changes color, i.e., fills up with liquid.
• micro-bead flocculation increases in magnitude as more incoming micro-beads are added.
• increased pressure drop results in a reduction of the micro-channel flow rate.
• FIG. 1 is an illustration of a constant pressure flow system comprised of two micro-channels.
• Test micro-channel 22 (Cm) was exposed to a high- magnetic field gradient, while calibration micro-channel 20 (Co) served as a control.
• the pressure difference driving the flow between the micro-channel inlets 14, 14' and micro-channel outlets 16, 16' was equal between the two micro-channels 20, 22.
• a liquid sample seeded with a known concentration of magnetic-responsive micro-beads 12 was added to both micro-channels 20, 22 and the flow rate in both micro-channels 20, 22 was recorded over time. Flocculation of the micro-beads was created by means of a localized high-gradient magnetic field generated by two magnets 24, 24'.
• Both micro-channel capillary tubes 20, 22 were partially inserted into a rubber stopper portion of a glass vacutainer tube (not shown), leaving about 0.5 cm of the ends of the capillary tubes visible.
• Each capillary tube inlet and outlet was inserted in a polystyrene tubing (not shown) having an inner diameter of 360 ⁇ , which tightly fit the 360 ⁇ outer diameter of the two micro-channel capillary tubes 20, 22.
• One end of the tubing lead directly to a reservoir containing the liquid sample with the magnetic micro-bead solution 12, and the other end of the tubing lead to the vacutainer tubes which collected the fluid exiting the micro-channel outlets 16, 16'.
• the sample reservoir 12 was open to the air, and thus was at atmosphere pressure.
• the vacutainer tubes were sealed and kept under a constant vacuum.
• the pressure difference between the sample reservoir 12 and the vacutainer tubes induced the liquid sample to flow from the reservoir into the vacutainer tubes.
• the pressure difference was maintained at 0.6 mmHg per cm of capillary tube to provide equal flow rate across capillary tubes of different lengths.
• Experiments were run in tandem, using two capillary tubes: one for the calibration, i.e., control, micro-channel 20; and one for the test micro-channel 22 exposed to the magnetic field gradient. Both micro-channel capillary tubes 20, 22 were kept at the same differential pressure and drew fluid from the same sample reservoir 12. In the calibration micro-channel capillary tube 20, the sample flowed freely.
• the applied magnetic field gradient induced micro-bead flocculation.
• the calibration and test micro-channels 20, 22 were run simultaneously to eliminate common error, such as variation in atmospheric pressure, changes in viscosity due to fluctuation in temperature, and variations in micro-bead concentration.
• the suspension medium was 35 % (by wt.) glycerol and 65 % water to achieve a viscosity similar to that of blood (about 3.6 cP).
• Green fluorescent dye was added to the suspension medium to increase visibility of the solution exiting the two micro-channel capillary tubes 20, 22.
• Also added to the medium were smooth carboxyl magnetic micro-beads (Spherotech, Inc.) with a diameter of 4.7 ⁇ or 8.3 ⁇ .
• Tests were conducted with a micro-bead concentration between 100 micro-beads/ ⁇ to 50x10 3 micro-beads/ ⁇ . Sample volumes were between 50 ⁇ to 200 ⁇ 1 and initial flow rates were ⁇ . ⁇ /sec. As the sample fluid exited the micro-channel capillary tubes 20, 22, it formed small drops before falling into the vacutainer. The measurement of flow rate was calculated by dividing the drop volume with the time interval between drops. The falling drop rate was recorded with a DVD video camera. Post video analysis provided the flow rate vs. time. Additional experiments were conducted without a vacutainer. The micro-channel outlets 16, 16' were connected to long polystyrene tubing (not shown) which was placed near a graduated ruler.
• the flow rate was measured by recording the advancement of the fluid meniscus inside the tubing as a function of time.
• PLGA poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)
• FIG. 11 shows the normalized flow rate, i.e., the ratio between the flow rate in the test micro-channel capillary tubes (exposed to the magnetic field gradient) and the calibration micro- channel capillary tubes (not exposed to the magnetic field gradient) versus the number of magnetic-responsive micro-beads in the flocculation region.
• the number of magnetic- responsive micro-beads is given by the product of the flow rate times the magnetic-responsive micro-bead concentration in the sample.
• the data show that the normalized flow rate is a monotonic function of the number (over three orders of magnitude) of magnetic-responsive micro-beads in the flocculation region.
• FIG. 13 shows three data curves for different aspect ratios of magnetic field (concentrator) length versus the total length of the micro-channels [ratios range from 0.17 (triangle) to 0.24 (diamond) to 0.4 (square)]. To the investigators' knowledge, these data are the first to provide direct measurements of the effect of magnetic-responsive micro-bead flocculation on fluid flow rate in micro-channels.
• Q is the normalized flow rate
• N is the number of micro-beads in the flocculation
• a is the capillary tube radius
• R ejj is the lumen length of the capillary tube not blocked by micro-bead flocculation
• L is the capillary tube length
• r the radius of the micro- beads.
• FIG. 12 shows an example of flocculation formed in a 2,000 micro-beads/ ⁇ analog solution. Flocculation initially formed at the leading edge of the magnet (corresponding to the greatest magnetic field gradient.) The size of the flocculation grew over the entire length of the magnetic field region.
• the flocculation behaved as a fluidized bed. Magnetic-responsive micro-beads downstream were released, while upstream incoming magnetic-responsive micro-beads were added to the flocculation.
• Two sets of pScreenTM prototypes were fabricated: (1) a bench top prototype with multiple micro-channels for simultaneous testing of various samples; and (2) a single-use, portable, lab-on-card device.
• the pScreenTM bench-top prototype was described in the previous section.
• the pScreenTM lab-on-card prototype was realized using standard microfluidics fabrication techniques. In brief, the micro-channels were etched using a laser etcher system on a poly(ethylene terephthalate) glycol (Petg) substrate. The channels then were sealed using a matching poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) top by thermal bonding using a hot press.
• PLGA poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)
• the magnetic field gradient was obtained by placing two small magnets in an N-S configuration underneath the test channel.
• the pScreenTM lab-on-card prototype also was fabricated using injection cast molding in which the prototype was fabricated in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).
• Two pScreenTM prototypes were tested using a variety of fluids such as, without limitation, blood, blood-analogs, or PBS buffer solution with different concentrations of surfactant. Tests were conducted using magnetic-responsive micro beads having a diameter of 4.1 ⁇ or 8 ⁇ . Sample concentrations between 100 micro-beads/ ⁇ and 200,000 micro- beads/ ⁇ were used. The concentration of magnetic-responsive micro-beads was determined by recording the level of the fluid on the calibration and test graduated column scales. Each mark on the scale corresponded to a given amount of fluid volume which flowed through the micro- channels. The relationship derived in Equation 8 was applied to convert the recorded volumes in magnetic-responsive micro-bead concentration.
• FIG. 13 is a graph showing magnetic-responsive micro-bead concentration measured using the pScreenTM device (y-axis) of the present invention versus magnetic-responsive micro-bead concentration measured with a standard hemocytometer (x-axis).
• FIG. 14 is a graph showing the difference between the volume collected in the control column (Vo) and the volume collected in the test column (Vm) (y-axis) versus the known concentration of IgG antibody (x-axis).

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