An automated integrated platform for rapid and sensitive multiplexed protein profiling using human saliva samples

Abstract

During the last decade, saliva has emerged as a potentially ideal diagnostic biofluid for noninvasive testing. In this paper, we present an automated, integrated platform useable by minimally trained personnel in the field for the diagnosis of respiratory diseases using human saliva as a sample specimen. In this platform, a saliva sample is loaded onto a disposable microfluidic chip containing all the necessary reagents and components required for saliva analysis. The chip is then inserted into the automated analyzer, the SDReader, where multiple potential protein biomarkers for respiratory diseases are measured simultaneously using a microsphere-based array via fluorescence sandwich immunoassays. The results are read optically, and the images are analyzed by a custom-designed algorithm. The fully automated assay requires as little as 10 μL of saliva sample, and the results are reported in 70 min. The performance of the platform was characterized by testing protein standard solutions, and the results were comparable to those from the 3.5-h lab bench assay that we have previously reported. The device was also deployed in two clinical environments where 273 human saliva samples collected from different subjects were successfully tested, demonstrating the device’s potential to assist clinicians with the diagnosis of respiratory diseases by providing timely protein biomarker profiling information. This platform, which combines non-invasive sample collection and fully automated analysis, can also be utilized in point-of-care diagnostics.

Gustatory Salivation Is Associated with Body Mass Index, Daytime Sleepiness, and Snoring in Healthy Young Adults

“…The notable clinical features of saliva include its ease of collection and non-invasive accessibility. Indeed, saliva is widely used for measuring the concentrations of hormones, cytokines, and other physiological active substances (Nie et al 2014;Hiremath et al 2015;Langie et al 2016). Salivation in the oral cavity is induced as a neural reflex in the body.…”

Point-of-Care Diagnostics: Recent Developments in a Connected Age

“…While the device itself may be portable and battery-powered, sample preparation and manual handling steps, along with the need for a connected computer for fluorescence quantification and interpretation keeps it most appropriate for this use case. An automated, integrated platform for multiplexed protein profiling from saliva samples yielded results in 70 minutes, and could be used by more minimally trained personnel 153 . Centrifugation of saliva samples before introduction to the disposable microfluidic chip, along with device powering requirements through AC adapter 153 make the device as it stands, appropriate for this use case.…”

“…An automated, integrated platform for multiplexed protein profiling from saliva samples yielded results in 70 minutes, and could be used by more minimally trained personnel 153 . Centrifugation of saliva samples before introduction to the disposable microfluidic chip, along with device powering requirements through AC adapter 153 make the device as it stands, appropriate for this use case.…”

Programmable bio-nano-chip system: a flexible point-of-care platform for bioscience and clinical measurements

“…20 The Walt group has designed a platform for automated and multiplexed testing of salivary samples for the diagnosis of respiratory diseases. 21 The Wheeler group developed an immunoanalyzer based on a digital microfluidics platform. 22 Bau and colleagues designed a fully automated reader and a self-contained disposable cassette for nucleic acid detection.…”