This
Article presents an automated, compact, and self-contained
system for sensitive quantitative detection of blood biomarkers. A
disposable microfluidic chip, prefilled with biomarker-specific reagents
and magnetic beads, can be processed fully automatically by a readout
platform, enabling an immunoassay-based analysis with a processing
time from sample incubation to signal analysis of 20 min. Novel concepts
for on-chip vortexing of the magnetic beads and on-chip reagent storage
and actuation were developed. A lens-free photodiode readout system represents a cost-efficient approach
for detecting the chemiluminescent signal. IL-8 spiked serum samples
were measured with a high reproducibility and a limit of detection
of 2.05 pg·mL–1. The system was validated with
undiluted serum samples collected from trauma patients at the intensive
care unit. The developed platform demonstrated good correlation with
the clinical reference method, and the clinical trajectory course
of IL-8 could be sufficiently followed. With an automated assay approach
and an easily adaptable protocol, this portable platform has the potential
to be utilized as a universal instrument for analyzing proteins in
small sample volumes (<25 μL) in point-of-care settings.
Long-term flights in microgravity cause atrophy and morphological changes of skeletal muscles. Training with mechanical devices is insufficient regarding the required time to exercise and space for devices. The objective of this project is to develop a passive training method based on functional electrostimulation (FES) to preserve muscle mass and fiber composition with minimal impairment to the cosmonaut. For a pilot experiment on the MIR space station, a suitable 8 channel FES device was developed. It consists of electrode trousers that carry surface electrodes and cables, 2 interconnected 4 channel stimulators, and a laptop personal computer (PC) for stimulator programming and processing compliance data. An automatic extensive training of 4 muscle groups of the lower extremities is performed for 6 h/day, with 1 s on and 2 s off tetanic contractions at 20-30% of maximum tetanic muscle force. The synchronous activation of antagonists of the thigh and lower leg prevents uncoordinated movements.
We present a compact diagnostic platform for a rapid and sensitive detection of plasma biomarkers. The platform consists of a disposable microfluidic polymer chip, a processing device including a lens-free and cost efficient sensor system and a setup for dispersion of magnetic particles. The biomarkers of interest are quantified by magnetic bead based immunoassays with chemiluminescent readout technology. With a novel system for dispersion and manipulation of the magnetic particles in combination with chemiluminescence detection, the sensitivity of the immunoassay is improved and enables a rapid assay in a microfluidic format. In the disposable chip, extra chambers for storage and dispensing of biomarker specific reagents are integrated, which reduce the need of external dosing devices and thereby the cost of the platform is decreased. Plasma biomarkers for monitoring of sepsis could be quantified at 10 pg/mL concentrations within a total time of 30 min by the present system. This contribution is a fundamental step towards the development of an automatic and compact Point-of-Care testing device for monitoring of patients at the intensive care unit.
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