University of Michigan

Optofluidic Bioassay, LLC

Maung Kyaw Khaing Oo

Xudong Fan

Yunbo Guo

An optofluidic diagnostic system and methods for rapid analyte detections. The system comprises an optofluidic sensor array, a test plate and an optical detection cartridge. The sensor array supports one or more distinct sensor units, each having a reactor section designed to temporarily enter a series of different kinds of wells in the test plate. One kind of well is a sample reservoir that holds reagent solution to be transferred into the reactor section. Another kind of well is a drainage chamber that removes reagent solution from the reactor section. A third kind of well is a colorant reservoir that holds a colorant reagent transferable into a reactor section. Finally, the sensor unit is transferred to the optical detection cartridge where it is placed into an isolation booth during the optical detection process so that its flat observation face is stationed in a viewing window opposite an optical detector lens.

Optofluidic diagnostics system

An assay plate assembly comprising a plurality of microfluidic modules arranged in a rectilinear matrix of rows and columns microfluidic channels. Each microfluidic module has an inlet well leading to a serpentine microfluidic channel that is set at a cant angle. The well is laterally offset from the detection area to avoid optical interference. The geometric center of each detection area is positioned according to ANSI/SLAS standards for well-centers. A drain from each microfluidic channel is located so that it does not interfere with any detection areas. An array of micro-posts are disposed within each microfluidic channel. The micro-posts extend perpendicularly from the top surface of the top plate toward the underside and are equally distributed throughout the entire detection area. The plate assembly provides reduced assay time and sample volume, and increased sensitivity and specificity in biological and chemical assays.

Assay plate and uses thereof

An assay plate assembly comprising a plurality of microfluidic modules arranged in a rectilinear matrix of rows and columns microfluidic channels. Each microfluidic module has an inlet well leading to a serpentine microfluidic channel that is set at a cant angle. The well is laterally offset from the detection area to avoid optical interference. The geometric center of each detection area is positioned according to ANSI/SLAS standards for well-centers. A drain from each microfluidic channel is located so that it does not interfere with any detection areas. An array of optically-transmissive micro-posts are disposed within each microfluidic channel. The micro-posts extend perpendicularly from the top surface of the top plate toward the underside and are equally distributed throughout the entire detection area. The plate assembly provides reduced assay time and sample volume, and increased sensitivity and specificity in biological and chemical assays.

3-dimensional surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), as well as absorption/fluorescence/luminescence detection is carried out using a platform based on nanoparticle-functionalized flow-through multi-hole capillaries for rapid analyte detection. The configuration provides an increased active area and fluidic channels for efficient sample delivery, and also confines and transmits light for a large signal accumulation. Using a capillary consisting of thousands of micron-sized holes adsorbed with gold nanoparticles, a detection limit better than 100 fM is achieved.

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Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Maung Kyaw Khaing Oo