Microfluidic-Based Capacitive Biosensor for Multiplex Assay Detection

With the development of point-of-care (POC) technology in recent decades, POC diagnostic devices have become increasingly used to detect biomarkers for various diseases. However, many diseases require checking multiple biomarkers or screening for diseases with similar symptoms during the diagnostic process. In these cases, a multiplex assay POC device is particularly useful, as it can provide more accurate diagnostic results and screen for multiple diseases that patients may be at risk for in a single test. This study develops a microfluidic-based multiplex assay biosensing platform specifically for detecting diseases that predominantly affect senior women. This platform incorporates two essential features: a microchannel for the separation of plasma containing target analytes from whole blood samples without the need for external devices, and a biosensor array aligned with the separated plasma regions within the channel. The biosensors are functionalized with CA-125 antibodies and Aß42 antibodies to enable the detection of ovarian cancer and Alzheimer's disease, respectively. Additionally, due to the flexible fabrication of the biosensor platform, it can be readily adapted for the immobilization of other biomarkers. These two diseases represent significant health risks for senior women. As a result, the plasma is effectively separated and delivered to the sensing regions, and both CA-125 and Aß42 antigens are successfully detected.