Self-powered Fluorescence Assays in Paper-based Microfluidic Devices
Open Access
- Author:
- Thom, Nicole Kimberly
- Graduate Program:
- Chemistry
- Degree:
- Master of Science
- Document Type:
- Master Thesis
- Date of Defense:
- August 13, 2012
- Committee Members:
- Scott T Phillips, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
- Keywords:
- Paper-Based
Microfluidic
Point-of-care
Battery
Fluorescence assay - Abstract:
- Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics designed for use in resource-limited areas, such as developing regions of the world, are an important component for providing health care. Microfluidic devices are being developed for use as diagnostic devices for point-of-care, but many of them are not well suited for use in resource-limited environments. Fluorescence assays are a popular platform for assays, but they require a source of power, which adds limitations to their use in POC diagnostic assays in microfluidic devices. In this research, we hypothesized that by incorporating a galvanic cell into the layers of a paper-based microfluidic device, we could make an on-chip power source that meets the requirements for use in a resource-limited setting. This battery could be used to power a fluorescence assay. We demonstrated the key elements and determined the analytical parameters that are needed to design and build fluidic batteries (which is what we call them). These fluidic batteries have tunable power outputs, which should make them useful for a variety of applications. One example application is an on-chip, self-powered fluorescence assay, which we demonstrate for detecting the enzyme β-D-galactosidase. We also show the capability of a self-powered timer in the context of a quantitative, time-based glucose assay.