Real-time agglutination within a microdroplet in a three phase fluidic well for detection of biomarkers

Abstract

In the proposed paper, we describe a quantitative detection method that avoids the hook-effect which we call real-time agglutination. Agglutination is monitored optically in a droplet containing functionalized beads suspended at the interface of two immiscible fluids. Analyte is then added slowly through a capillary. This slow addition of analyte allows the avoidance of the hook-effect because strong agglutination occurs prior bead saturation. Analyte concentration in the sample can then be extracted from the time vs. agglutination strength curve, which shows relationship to analyte concentration in both onset and rate of agglutination. Real-time agglutination can find use as a biomolecule quantification method as well as a test bed to look at agglutination kinetics.