Microfluidic Aptasensors
Microfluidic Aptasensors
Aptasensors are biosensors that utilize aptamers, using them as transducers to allow for the detection of substances in solution. Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides (RNA or DNA) that are capable of binding very strongly and selectively to a target. Targets can be inorganic material, organic material, or even living cells. For example, we have developed a cocaine aptasensor that generates a fluorescent signal in response to the presence of nanomolar concentrations of cocaine. Shown in (A) below is a photo of part of the device, fabricated using PDMS flow channels on a glass substrate. Aptamers are immobilized onto beads, which are held in place in the sample chamber by weirs present at the inlet and outlet. In (B), the principle of aptasensor operation is described via three panels that show the exposure and binding of the target molecule to the immobilized aptamers (i and ii) and thermally-induced release of target (iii). In (C), preliminary data is shown indicating that the fluorescent response of the sensor increases linearly over several orders of magnitude.
Collaborators
Dr. Milan Stojanovic (Columbia University Medical Center)
Figures
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