Dr. Tony Huang, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Barbara Shaw, Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Acoustofluidics Immunoassay Aggregation Assay
Abstract:
Biomarker detection is an exciting field as new technologies are being developed for more sensitive and robust detection. Among existing techniques, there exists a need for a point-of-care, biocompatible, and affordable alternative to laboratory standards. In this work, the possibility of an acoustically enhanced homogeneous immunoassay is explored. To confirm the viability of our design, three steps were taken to validate our assay. First, enrichment of micro-/nanoparticles is demonstrated by actuating a single vortex flow within a glass capillary that combines the acoustic radiation force and the acoustic streaming force. Second, a simplified, two-part assay is tested for functionality and sensitivity. Having displayed a clear linear correlation between concentration and fluorescent intensity, a three-part assay is prepared and tested as well. The results from these studies are promising and provide a novel method for biomarker detection that could be used within a point-of-care platform in the future.
