Electrokinetically Driven Microfluidic Analyzers

We are making micromachined systems that combine several analysis processes, with the objective of measuring disease-linked biomolecules. We photopolymerize porous polymer monoliths within microfluidic channels for solid-phase extraction involving either immunoaffinity or reversed-phase interactions. Then, purified, concentrated target compounds are analyzed through microchip electrophoresis. This approach was initially demonstrated with electrically driven extraction and electrophoretic analysis of multiple proteins related to cancer [1]. We have also implemented reversed-phase monoliths for electrokinetic on-chip extraction and fluorescence labeling of proteins [2]. Recently, we developed electrophoresis microdevices that have integrated pneumatic valves and pumps for automated pressure-based injection of precise solution volumes. We have also demonstrated field-amplified stacking and injection of non-aqueous samples in these microchips. Our present focus entails the application of these integrated microfluidic systems in studying a panel of preterm birth biomarkers. These microdevices should be useful in the analysis of small-volume biological samples. 

References
[1] Yang, W.; Yu, M.; Sun, X.; Woolley, A.T. Lab Chip 10, 2527–2533 (2010).
[2] Yang, R.; Pagaduan, J.V.; Yu, M.; Woolley, A.T. Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 407, 737-747 (2015).