Available for Licensing
TRL: 2
US Provisional Patent
Nicholas Grant
Jessy McGowan
Jessy.McGowan@colostate.edu
970-491-7100
At a Glance
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a battery-operated device for sample preparation and diagnostic use. Using Electro‐Wetting on Dielectric (EWOD) technology, the device described herein can accomplish most steps (dispensing, mixing, etc.) needed for sample preparation with minimum human involvement in a form‐factor that is intended for hand‐held use and powered by battery. This device could increase the accessibility of medical diagnostics in rural or remote areas, shorten the time-to-data for lab results, and decrease the need for sending expensive test requests to diagnostic centers.
Background
Sample preparation has typically been a limiting factor in medicine, often being time-consuming and costly due to reagents, time, and sample handling procedures. The complexity of such sample preparations, particularly with human-involved steps, usually requires sophisticated lab equipment for dispensing, mixing, and storage.
Overview
The device includes a portable microfluidic device, with supporting hardware and software integration to correctly operate sample preparation tasks in a completely self-contained and battery-powered handheld unit. This device could perform several tests or diagnostics and would greatly reduce the burden in rural medicine on lab and personnel costs.
Video demonstration available upon request.
Figure 1 (below) illustrates an example chip design for nucleic acid extraction
Figure 1. Nucleic acid extraction chip design
Figure 2 (below) compares the completed electro-wetting on dielectric chip electrodes to a quarter (actual size).
Figure 2. The completed Electro-wetting on Dielectric chip electrodes compared to a quarter (actual size)
Figure 3 (below) illustrates an example of the device implementations (a) Charging/PC connected; (b) Open; (c) Closed.
Figure 3. The completed Electro-wetting on Dielectric chip device (A) Charging/PC Connected (B) Open, or (C) Closed
Benefits
- Self-contained device removes expensive lab equipment and storage cost
- Device is portable and hand-held without the need for external power supply
- Disposable and low-cost cartridge for reagents handling integrated with the system
- Shortened time-to-data for test results
- Able to perform complex mixing and dispensing functions
- Low-cost of unit manufacturing and ownership
Applications
- Sample preparation
- Rural medicine and diagnostics
- Remote or field work capable
