Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

North Carolina State University

Glenn M Walker

David James Beebe

Frances S Ligler

Brian Michael Cummins

Jay W Warrick

Ivar Meyvantsson

Michael W Toepke

Brian M Cummins

Frances Smith Ligler

Disclosed are methods and systems for determining concentrations of a target molecule and a variant thereof in a sample. The sample can comprise or be suspected to comprise a target molecule and at least one variant thereof and is exposed to one or more recognition elements that bind to the target molecule and/or the at least one variant. A signal is detected that is associated with the binding of the target molecule and/or a signal is detected that is associated with the binding of the at least one variant to the one or more recognition elements. The concentration of the target molecule and/or the at least one variant thereof is determined based on the signals. The system can comprise a receiver adapted to receive a sample comprising or suspected to comprise a target molecule and the at least one variant thereof, the receiver comprising one or more recognition elements that bind to one or more epitopes in the target molecule and/or the at least one variant thereof.

Multiplexed diagnostic to recognize concentrations of related proteins and peptides

Provided herein are passive microfluidic pumps. The pumps can comprise a fluid inlet, an absorbent region, a resistive region fluidly connecting the fluid inlet and the absorbent region, and an evaporation barrier enclosing the resistive region, the absorbent region, or a combination thereof. The resistive region can comprise a first porous medium, and a fluidly non-conducting boundary defining a path for fluid flow through the first porous medium from the fluid inlet to the absorbent region. The absorbent region can comprise a fluidly non-conducting boundary defining a volume of a second porous medium sized to absorb a predetermined volume of fluid imbibed from the resistive region. The resistive region and the absorbent region can be configured to establish a capillary-driven fluid front advancing from the fluid inlet through the resistive region to the absorbent region when the fluid inlet is contacted with fluid.

Passive pumps for microfluidic devices

A method is provided for pumping fluid through a channel of a microfluidic device. The channel has an input port and an output port. The channel is filled with fluid and a pressure gradient is generated between the fluid at the input port and the fluid at the output port. As a result, fluid flows through the channel towards the output port.

Method of pumping fluid through a microfluidic device

A method is provided of obtaining a sample concentration of a solution in a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes a channel having a reservoir and a collection port. The channel is filled with a solution having particles therein. A reservoir drop is deposited over the reservoir of the channel such that the solution of the channel flows towards the collection port in response to evaporation of the solution at the collection port. The particles at the collection port are collected to obtain the sample concentration.

Method of obtaining a sample concentration of a solution in a microfluidic device

A method is provided for pumping fluid through a channel of a microfluidic device. The channel has an input port of a predetermined radius and an output port of a predetermined radius. The channel is filled with fluid and a pressure gradient is generated between the fluid between the input port and the fluid at the output port. As a result, fluid flows through the channel towards the output port.

A method is provided for performing a gradient-based assay in a microfluidic device. The method includes the steps of passing first and second fluids through a channel in the microfluidic device. The first fluid has a predetermined concentration of particles therein such that the particles in the first fluid diffuse into the second fluid so as to cause a gradient of concentration of particles in the second fluid as the second fluid flows through the channel. The second fluid sequentially intersects a series of targets along the channel wall as the second fluid flows through the channel.

Growing community of inventors

Brentwood, TN, United States of America

Glenn M Walker