Competitive Advantages:
Detects hemolysis without plasma separation, Provides immediate quantitative results, High sensitivity, Shortens diagnostic time.
In one embodiment, an optical spectroscopy probe includes an optical fiber having a distal tip and a microfluidic filtering chamber attached to the distal tip of the optical fiber, the chamber comprising a microfluidic membrane adapted to enable liquid to enter the chamber but prevent particles from entering the chamber.Our researchers have developed a novel optical spectroscopy probe with a distal tip and a microfluidic filtering chamber that allows entrance to liquids but not to particles. This device can analyze liquid samples for various purposes including for the detection of hemolysis in a whole blood sample without plasma separation. The concentration of a drug in a particular liquid sample can also be determined. This device allows for high sensitivity and faster detection times without the use of a reagent. Moreover, immediate quantitative results are provided, enabling a real-time, point-of-care analysis of liquids. This technology will improve patient outcomes due to earlier diagnoses and therefore a faster implementation of treatment regimens.
Competitive Advantages:
Lightweight and cheaper production cost, Can be used at point-of-care or in the field, Completes all steps of ELISA.
A mobile phone-based system for ELISA (MELISA). The MELISA system can perform all steps of ELISA procedure and output hormone concentration values. The system includes a heater that keeps the temperature required for sample incubation, illumination system for sample image capturing, and a digital camera system. All components are enclosed in a dark box to create optimal light conditions for image capturing. After sample images are captured, they are digitally processed, and hormone concentration values are reported based on colorimetric data from the samples. The system can be used to complete all steps of the assay, including incubation and reading. It is lightweight, can be fabricated at low cost, is portable, and can transfer test results via mobile phone. MELISA can be calibrated for accurate measurements of progesterone and has demonstrated successful measurements with the calibrated system.Our inventors have developed a new mobile system (MELISA) that can be used to complete all steps of the assay, including incubation and reading. It weighs just one pound, and it can be fabricated at a low cost. The portable device can transfer test results via mobile phone. The mobile phone platform allows the user to perform image processing and sample concentration assessment using a custom algorithm. The image processing algorithm can be adjusted for a variety of colorimetric applications. This device can be implemented to improve any system that already relies on the ELISA method.
